Locals prepare spirit house for festival

 THE Ambelem people of Maprik, in East Sepik, will showcase their Haus Tambaran (Spirit House) at the 5th Melanesian Arts Festival in Port Moresby next month. 

The Haus Tambaran is a sign of the Ambelem people’s dignity, pride and leadership to connect with the Tambarans (spirits). 

Local MP John Simon has brought in 10 customary leaders from the area to build a Haus Tambaran at the site of the festival.

National Cultural Commission (NCC) acting executive director Dr Jacob Simet presented a cheque for K25,000 to the Maprik leaders last Friday to assist them build the Haus Tambaran.

Simet thanked Simon for taking the initiative to lead his people to showcase their culture.

“John Simon is the first person to be here on the ground and taking part in the building and preparation of his district’s traditional artifact to be showcased in the 5th Melanesian Arts Festival,” Simet said.

“We are very proud and happy with his leadership for he was the only MP who approached us and asked for a space to build his Haus Tambaran and that is the kind of spirit we need.”

Simon thanked NCC and the government for their assistance to his people to showcase their culture at the regional event.

“We, the people Maprik and especially Ambelem society, are very proud to tell the world of the unique culture we have,” he said.