It’s well worth coming to the Enga Cultural Show because although the singsing is definitely the MUST-see there is so much more to take in both at the showgrounds and in Wabag town.
Here are 5 things that will be on the program in 2020.
1. SINGSING & RITUALS
FRI-SAT-SUN
9AM - 4PM
AIPUS RUGBY FIELD
Immersing yourself inside the main arena at the showgrounds is THE highlight of the Enga Cultural Show. In the centre you walk through row after row of Singsing groups, from all of Enga’s 6 districts. The diversity of traditional attire, chants, drumbeats and the smells of smoke and bush leaves, is an assault on the senses that visitors describe as “spine-tingling”
Around the perimeter of the singsing there are rows of displays of traditional rituals and spells for fertility, courting, to ward off illnesses, bring good weather or protection from enemies. The rituals are truly fascinating to watch and it’s well worth taking your time as you go around.
Axe and wig making, traditional house, fence and bridge building, important skills passed down for generations, are demonstrated, just as they have been practiced for hundreds of years.
It is the authenticity of the singsing and rich display of rituals and traditional skills that sets the Enga Cultural Show apart, reflecting its core role to preserve cultural knowledge.
A one-day pass to enter the show arena is K100 per person or K150 which includes grandstand access and museum pass. A three-day pass VIP pass is K300
2. TAKE ANDA MUSEUM
OPEN DAILY DURING THE SHOW
9AM - 9PM
WABAG TOWN
To truly enhance your understanding and appreciation of the people and lifestyles of Enga Province a visit the Take Anda Museum is a must.
Also known as 'Ende Take' it translates to House of Wisdom and it houses a rare, thorough and beautifully presented collection of the history, traditions and values of the people of Enga before the time of first contact from the outside world in the 1930’s.
The collection comes from first-hand accounts gathered through 10 years of scientific research, quite literally, the voices of the ancestors.
The Take Anda Museum is where you will need to come to pick up your show pass and wristband, so make sure you set aside at least an hour to take a look through.
Entry to the museum is K30 for a one-day pass during show time. If you purchase a VIP show ticket, access to the museum is included.
3. ART EXHIBITIONS & WORKSHOP
OPEN DAILY DURING THE SHOW
9AM - 9PM
WABAG
The Take Anda Art Gallery is the birthplace of Engan sandpainting, a contemporary art form that was created by the museum’s director Akii Tumu in the late 1970s, as a means to provide an activity for school leavers in the province.
With a lack of medium such as oil colours, acrylics, canvas and materials, mediums that are readily available from the natural surroundings were used - different coloured grains of sand and earth.
The new art form caught on and has evolved into a distinctly Enga style. Artist's paint images depicting Enga's traditional stories and way of life.
On show weekend the gallery will feature an art exhibition and art for sale. Or you can get hands on in the sandpainting in the workshops, and make your own sandpainting – a good way to gain an appreciation of the skill and effort involved and you take home your own sandpainting creation as a unique souvenir.
4. ENGA FASHION FAIR
FRI 7TH AT 7PM
TAKE ANDA GALLERY
WABAG
This is a great way to cap off your first day at the Enga Cultural Show. Held in the early evening of Friday the 7th of August at the Take Art Gallery, the Enga Fashion Fair is runway showcase of garments and textiles by designers from Enga Province and the Highlands region. It is especially popular with visitors who jump at the chance to purchase unique PNG fashion and fabrics by local designers.
Keep an eye out for our big annoucement of the 2020 guest designer, coming soon.
5. TASTING ENGA
SAT 8TH AT 6PM
YASKOM RESORT-HOTEL
SIRUNKI
Something for the foodies. A celebration of Engas fertility and abundance of high-quality food produce, Tasting Enga is dining experience that highlights the traditional cooking styles and ingredients of the people of Enga.
Presented in the stunning surrounds of Sirunki at Yaskom Resort-Hotel, the venue alone makes this a very special experience, overlooking Lake Ivae, one the highest lakes in the country, known as the source of the mighty Sepik River.
Yaskom Resort-Hotel is a 45minute drive from Wabag. Get there early if you want to settle in at the balcony bar to catch the sunset over the lake. If you want to avoid a late-night drive back to Wabag you can book a room and stay over, perfect if you want to take in a tour to the nearby traditional salt ponds the next day.
