| Description |
This string figure represents a crocodile. There are few crocodiles (Crocodylus novaeguineae) in the upper Konmei Creek past Kanjimei village, but they inhabit lake Muŋam, which is upriver from where Kanjimei village is located, and they sometimes make their way out into the creek. The crocodile is a highly prized kill for its fatty meat, and the Awiakay will sometimes sell the skin of a young crocodile in Angoram or in Wewak.
It is believed that a thunderstorm will arise when someone kills a crocodile in the river, as crocodiles are water spirits
The Awiakay are a society that is closer to the Highlands, and do not have an elaborate crocodile cult like their downriver Karawari neighbours. However the crocodile features prominently in Awiakay mythology.
Images:
02: Darja Munbaŋgoapik showing the final design ‘crocodile’
03: Kamaŋ ‘Crocodile’ (Crocodylus novaeguineae)
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