Gumawana is spoken on the Amphlett Islands approximately 60 miles north of the eastern tip of Papua New Guinea. They are north of Ferguson Island and south of the Trobriand Islands. The speakers of Gumawana are spread out over 5 islands: Nubogeta, Gumawana, Omea, Kotoita and Bítuma.
The people of the Amphletts spend the majority of their time just producing enough food to eat. Farming the small islands gives them the yams and sweet potatoes they eat. They spend a great deal of time fishing as well. The only electricity are a few solar panels for charging phones. Cooking over an open fire is still practiced. They are known for the beautiful clay pots the women make. The men get the clay from Wapolu on Ferguson Island. The men are sailors and still use sailing canoes.
Everyone is a member of the local churches. The United Church is found on each of the islands except Bítuma Island which has a strong SDA presence. Underlying beliefs in magic and sorcery still persist today.
Scripture Prayers for the Gumawana in Papua New Guinea.
| Profile Source: Anonymous |
