Cultural Traditions of the Motu through the Prism of Centuries: Life between Two Worlds (New Guinea)

The Motu Melanesians have since ancient times played a significant role in the economic life of many Papuan and Melanesian societies in the coastal regions of the southeast of the New Guinea island. From the late nineteenth century onward, Motu villages experienced considerable influence of colonial administrations. Subsequently, following Papua New Guinea’s independence in 1975, the impact of globalization intensified, causing significant cultural transformation. To date, however, the Motu continue to maintain their strong cultural identity.