The Sepik River

PAPUA NEW GUINEA | SEPIK RIVER REGION

The Sepik River is the longest river on the island of New Guinea. With 1,126 kilometers of flowing waters, the river provides a system of trade and cultural exchange between the diverse tribes who have lived upon the river's banks for centuries. With over 250 languages spoken throughout the region, the artistic styles found in villages of the Upper, Middle and Lower Sepik are outstandingly diverse. Below are some of the villages in each region:

UPPER SEPIK

Villages in Ambunti Mountains, Hunstein Mountains 

MIDDLE SEPIK

Aibom Village, Chambri Lake Villages, Korogo Village, Palambei Village, Tambanum Village, Yamok Village, Karawari and Blackwater Rivers

LOWER SEPIK

Adjacent coast - Angoram Village, Imbando Villages, Taway Villages

With every item created for use within the village's ceremonial and daily practices, the art itself provides a glimpse into these practices and belief systems of each village, which remain unchanged over time. From master carvers to their apprentices, the articles produced by the people of the Sepik are world class and hold an appeal that will capture most Tribal Art collectors. 

Through our own expeditions upon the Sepik, we have been fortunate to see first hand the people interact with their artifacts, and hence Ewa Oceanic Gallery provides a diversity of pieces from this fascinating region.