Celebrating as a Sepik

 By PHOEBE GWANGILO

HEATHER Donoghue, a PhD student from University of East Anglia, UK, drew interest in her East Sepik traditional costumes at the Constitutional Park recently.

Her participation in the traditional dances left people with so much curiosity.  

This keen young woman was remembered as one of the highlights of the event that attracted thousands from the city.

Donoghue is in the country doing research on material culture objects that were collected in 1904 along the Papuan coast by Charles Seligman and Cook Daniel which are now in museums in United Kingdom and Australia.

Her visit here coincides with the 40-day celebrations in the National Capital District which prompted the young woman to visit rehearsals of the cultural groups and was invited by the Avisat students (Sepik River students) of the University of Papua New Guinea.

“I’m very interested in the past culture and current culture and to see that young people are still very interested and to find out more about it,” Donoghue said.

“I feel honoured and had a wonderful time.”

Sepik River has been a tourist destination long before Independence to date, therefore, the Avisat traditional group showcased not only their songs and dances but a life they have adapted to making friends with tourists showing them a glimpse of their culture.