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I. The Mimika region The Mimika region stretches along part of the south-west coast of New Guinea, which extends from Fak-Fak to Merauke. The Kamoro, a group numbering approximately eighteen thousand people, inhabit the area between Etna Bay in the west, and the Otokwa River in the east. Their eastern neighbours neighbours are the Sempan, followed by the Asmat. In a coastal area stretching some three hundred kilometres, the population in each of thirty or more villages varies between one hundred to five hundred people. A distinction must be made here between West, Central, and East Mimika. In West and Central Mimika the villages are situated on a coastal embankment, while in East Mimika they lie further inland. However, every village is sited on river. The village site has always been closely connected with food sources, the traditional staples being sago and fish. Villagers frequently move between the fishing grounds and the sago swamps sited between the coast and the upper reaches of the river. The material culture remains well suited to this life of constant movement. | |
