SHARK CALLING FESTIVAL; NEW IRELAND’S SACRED BOND WITH THE OCEAN

By Wasita ROYAL

IN the early hours of yesterday morning, the ancient Shark Calling Festival began along the West Coast of New Ireland Province in Kono village as skilled and newly initiated shark callers set out to sea continuing on a centuries’ old tradition.

This unique ritual is practiced only in the villages of the West Coast, and that is Barrok, Konto, Kono, and Messi.
Men from these villages summon sharks through sacred chants and spiritual connection; a skill that was passed down through generations.

As the callers departed, women from the village gathered onshore and sang traditional songs to bless their journey.

More than just a display of skill, the festival celebrates the deep spiritual bond between the New Irelanders and the sea which is believed to connect and give them the sacred ability to communicate with sharks.

Now recognized as a National Event on Papua New Guinea’s calendar, which will draw global attention to this vanishing cultural heritage.