Huli people

Huli people
Group	Huli people
Popplace	Hela Province, Papua New Guinea
Languages	Huli language
Religions	Christianity, traditional beliefs

Huli people. The Huli are an indigenous Melanesian group inhabiting the Southern Highlands Province and the newer Hela Province of Papua New Guinea. Renowned for their elaborate personal adornment and vibrant cultural traditions, they are one of the largest ethnic groups in the highlands region. Their society is traditionally organized around clan-based kinship structures and a deep connection to their ancestral lands.

History and origins

Oral histories and anthropological studies suggest the Huli have inhabited their territories for many centuries, with their origins deeply embedded in the Tari Basin. Their historical narratives often reference migrations and interactions with neighboring groups like the Duna people and the Enga people. The first sustained contact with the outside world occurred in the mid-20th century, notably through the patrols of Australian explorers like James Sinclair and the establishment of administrative posts during the Australian administration. The discovery of vast natural gas reserves at the Hides gas field in the latter part of the century dramatically altered their historical trajectory, drawing the Huli into national and global economic systems.

Culture and society

Huli society is patrilineal and organized into a complex system of clans and sub-clans, known as *hamigini*, which govern social relations, land tenure, and conflict resolution. They are internationally famous for their *Huli wigmen*, who create elaborate ceremonial wigs from their own hair, decorated with feathers from birds like the Raggiana bird-of-paradise and ochre pigments. Important cultural events include large-scale ceremonial exchanges, such as the *tege* pig feast, and ritualized warfare, which historically functioned as a means of settling disputes and demonstrating prestige. Their artistic expressions are also seen in body painting, the crafting of stone axe blades, and ornate feather headdresses.

Language

The Huli speak the Huli language, a member of the Trans–New Guinea phylum. It is a tonal language with a distinct grammatical structure and is considered one of the major languages of the highlands. Linguistic research has been conducted by institutions like the Summer Institute of Linguistics, and the language remains vibrant, though it coexists with the national lingua franca, Tok Pisin, and English. The language is integral to the transmission of oral histories, myths, and *dindi gamu* (true ancestral tales).

Economy and subsistence

Traditionally, the Huli economy was based on intensive swidden agriculture, with the cultivation of staple crops like sweet potato (introduced centuries ago), taro, and sugarcane in the fertile valleys of the Tari Basin. They also raise domestic pigs, which are central to their economy for ceremonial exchange and as a measure of wealth. The modern economy has been profoundly transformed by the PNG LNG project, operated by companies like ExxonMobil, which extracts natural gas from the Hides gas field. This has introduced cash income, royalties, and significant infrastructure changes but also created dependency and social stratification.

Traditional beliefs and practices

Huli traditional cosmology is rich and animistic, centered on a belief in ancestral spirits (*dama*) and place spirits that inhabit the landscape. Ritual experts, known as *mbingi*, mediate between the human and spirit worlds to ensure fertility, health, and success in warfare. Important rituals include the *kebe* ceremonies for initiating young men and the construction of spirit houses. While many Huli now adhere to Christianity, introduced by missions such as the Evangelical Church of Papua New Guinea and the Catholic Church in Papua New Guinea, traditional beliefs often persist in a syncretic form, influencing concepts of land ownership and justice.

Contemporary issues

The Huli face significant contemporary challenges stemming from the resource extraction industry, including environmental degradation, disputes over land tenure and royalty distribution, and increased social problems. The region has experienced periods of inter-clan violence and tensions related to the PNG LNG project. The creation of Hela Province in 2012 was a significant political development aimed at granting greater autonomy. Many Huli are engaged in navigating their place within the modern state of Papua New Guinea while striving to maintain their cultural identity and assert their rights in dealings with the national government in Port Moresby and multinational corporations.

Category:Ethnic groups in Papua New Guinea Category:Indigenous peoples of Oceania