Pig killing in Papua New Guinea - A Significant Cultural Event

A pig is valued in almost every part of Papua New Guinea and it is fast becoming a commodity. In modern Papua New Guinea, a pig is considered a 'cash cow.' Today, Papua New Guineans use pigs to earn an income, pay compensation claims, bride price, settle disputes, gift exchange, 'moka' (special occasion), parties of all kinds, open new buildings, reconciliation ceremonies, church activities, etc...

A person who had more pigs and wives in the past was considered a 'big man' (leader). It is still evident in some societies in Papua New Guinea by measuring how many pigs one man and his family owns. One pig can cost up to one thousand five hundred kina (K1,500) which is five hundred US dollars ($500).

For some viewers on Kange Nga Kona, the images shown below maybe disturbing to you but, make no mistake, it is one of Papua New Guinea's unique cultural identities on display at its best.

The pictures (click to enlarge) above were taken at a pig killing ceremony at Minimp Village in Mount Hagen, Western Highlands Province, Papua New Guinea. Minimp Village is located at the foot of Mount Giluwe and a 10 minutes drive west of Mount Hagen city.

For a complete video of a actual pig killing, click here. Warning! Maybe disturbing to some viewers.