Nor-Papua

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July 1, 2026

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The Nor-Papua people of New Guinea are known for their unique totemistic beliefs. They associate themselves with animals, particularly fish, and consider these totems sacred. Children have a choice during initiation ceremonies to honor either their paternal or maternal totem. Each kin group has a sacred site where totems are believed to bring the souls of the dead and from which children's souls originate. Totem animals are represented in various forms, including spirit creatures, disguises, and figures kept in homes. During initiation rites, group members mimic their totems.1

The term "Papuan languages" refers to a diverse group of languages spoken in New Guinea and surrounding islands that are not part of the Austronesian family. These languages are spoken by millions of people, with many distinct language families and a significant number of individual languages, some with very few speakers.23

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totemism
Nor-Papua
Among the Nor-Papua of New Guinea, patrilineal, exogamous groups (consanguineous sibs) are spread over several villages and are associated with animals, especially fish. They believe that they are born from totems, and they make them taboo. Children are given an opportunity to decide during…
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Among the Nor-Papua of New Guinea, patrilineal, exogamous groups (consanguineous sibs) are spread over several villages and are associated with animals, especially fish. They believe that they are born from totems, and they make them taboo. Children are given an opportunity to decide during…
Read More