the Highlands
Quick Summary
The Highlands of New Guinea are a mountainous region in the central part of the island, characterized by elevations exceeding 13,000 feet (4,000 meters) and reaching a peak of 14,793 feet (4,509 meters) at Mount Wilhelm. This area features enclosed upland basins with fertile soils, often at elevations of 4,500 feet (1,370 meters) or higher, formed by lake deposits, soil wash, and volcanic ash.1
The climate in the Highlands is cooler than in the lowlands, with nighttime frosts common above 7,000 feet (2,100 meters). Daytime temperatures generally remain above 72°F (22°C) year-round. Rainfall is significant, with totals between 100 and 160 inches (2,500 to 4,000 mm) annually, though there is a dry phase midyear.2
The Highlands are the most densely populated part of the island, with a population primarily engaged in agriculture. While historically known for strict separation between men and women, these social structures have been modified by newer cultural influences. Art in the Highlands is less focused on permanent visual works and more on body decoration, particularly head adornments using feathers from birds of paradise. Masks made from gourds, with applied features, are also common, with the Asaro River "mudmen" known for their grotesque clay masks. The Kuk Early Agricultural Site in the Western Highlands, a UNESCO World Heritage site, provides evidence of organized agriculture dating back at least 7,000 years.3456
- Papua New Guinea - Relief
- Papua New Guinea - Agriculture, forestry, and fishing
- New Guinea
- Oceanic art and architecture - The Highlands
- Papua New Guinea - Drainage and soils
- Papua New Guinea - Daily life and social customs
- Papua New Guinea - Cultural institutions
- Papua New Guinea - Climate of Papua New Guinea
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