“This piece depicts one of the processes that take place prior to the initiation practiced by my people, the Bena Bena, and other neighbouring tribes.

“When boys reach their teens, they’re gathered and kept in the haus man (men’s house). Inside, these young men are taught everything they must know for survival in the future. While learning about many sacred practices, they are also taught dos and don’ts, guidelines with which to conduct themselves during the next step in life. They are supposed to leave the haus man mature and ready for marriage.

“The next step after all the in-house teachings and training is the process called “carrying of the bird”. In this act, a kuakumba (bamboo flute) is played by at least two performers. Women and children are not allowed to watch this sacred performance, in which a big bird is said to participate. If the bird sees one of them watching him, he is supposed to kill and swallow them. So every time the women and children hear the sound of the kuakumba approaching the village, they quickly run and hide. The story of the big bird was believed to be true from generation to generation.

“The final act is the actual initiation process. It involves slicing and piercing the tongue and nose, followed by swallowing of a cane that is usually slender but strong. The cane is bent, creating a loop in the middle that is inserted into the mouth, down the throat, and into the stomach. It’s then pulled up and down gently. It is said that the process cleans the stomach wall and throat from grease and mucus that might have built up over the years. So this initiation practice is performed for health purposes – to cleanse the body. Those who have gone through the experience say that afterwards, you become a new person and you carry a new body. You feel very light, you breathe well, and you can run miles and climb mountains with ease. The disadvantage of this practice is that some have lost their lives while going through it. In the event of these unfortunate accidents, mothers are often informed that the bird took their sons’ lives.”

-Tom Deko

Categories: Metal Sculpture
Tags: apprenticeship, community, death and commemoration, Eastern Highlands, family, inheritance, initiation, living objects, metal sculpture, music, mythology, oral tradition, reclaimed materials, relationships, storytelling, synthetic materials, teaching