Welcome to Papua New Guinea. Upon arrival in Goroka, you’ll be greeted at the airport and taken to your hotel.
Keiya Village and Cane Swallowing
Following lunch at the hotel, head to Keiya village for some incredible cultural performances. Among these is the ‘Cane Swallowing’ initiation ceremony, which is a ritual for boys at puberty and young men. During this ritual, they swallow up to 30 centimetres of a small cane before pulling it out. There is a sacred understanding that this ritual clears the mind and enlightens the heart and body. Known as Dring Kol Wara (Drink Cold Water) by the Bena people of Eastern Highlands, this initiation is practised only by young men. Traditionally, women were never allowed to witness it, let alone know about it.
The cane is carefully carved to achieve a smooth surface to allow easy ingestion. After carving, it is bent into a U-shape and hung to dry in kitchen huts. It is dried for about one month before being used. Now and then the dried cane is taken out and left in water to regain moisture to maintain its outer covering. Its length may vary from a metre upwards.
The initiation period may last for two to three months, depending on the pork available for meals in the ‘Haus man’. Mothers of young boys cry for their sons, as they are taken away to learn their customs and embrace manhood.
During this initiation, initiates must sleep on their back, facing up, as it’s believed to straighten and elongate the intestines in preparation for the Neheya. They’re served meals consisting of only pork fat and boiled kaukau (sweet potato), believing that this dish, known as hosamaya, ensures the smooth passing of the cane along the digestive tract. This dish is exclusively prepared by elderly women who have gone past menopause. Witnessing this ancient practice is a rare experience.
Return to your hotel for dinner.
Meals
Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation
Red River Lodge or similar
Services
Private vehicle and English-speaking guide
