Papua New Guinea–Singsing

Singsing is the Tok Pisin term for the elaborate festivals held all over Papua New Guinea that feature theatrically choreographed dance and vocal performances by PNG villagers. Each of the many performing/competing groups comes to a singsing to represent its own village’s unique songs, dances, language and culture. The costumes and makeup are extensive, the harmonies are complex and the competition is intense. While in a sense the most popular singsings such as the Goroka Show are events sculpted for tourists, and while the truth is that most PNG villagers wear Western clothes and don’t paint their faces when they live day to day, Papua New Guineans value singsings as a time to revel in the beauty of their local cultures.

There are so many wonderful images and videos from singsings and other PNG cultural events available online and do check them out, though the “look at this slideshow before sharing it with the kids” disclaimer from above still applies:

— videos:

Mt. Hagen | the Tari Highlands | Goroka

Singsing 2010 | New Ireland dancers | When you go to a singsing, resist the temptation to do this.

— images:

Singsing photos on Google images | Singsing pictures on Flickr | Great shots of Singsing (the music on this video is nice but not from a singsing) | Images of the Goroka show, both in 1957/58 and today | Portraits of Huli Wigmen at a singsing

More about singsings:

A singsing overview from Peace-On-Earth.org | If it ever comes your way, don’t miss the extraordinary Wontok Music Production/David Bridie/George Telek production, “Singsing”: “It was magic–pure magic.”

How to sing with Jay each week in your home or classroom Support All Around This World on Patreon Enjoy interactive All Around This World lessons in your home or classroom

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