
The Bougainvilleans Embrace “Mona” as a way of Life. The beauty of Bougainville, nestled in the South Pacific Ocean, is known for its pristine beaches, warm hospitality, and vibrant culture. But for the locals, there is something else that holds a special place in their hearts – “Mona” a traditional ocean-going canoe that has been used by their ancestors for centuries and carries the pride and heritage of Bougainville.
Before the construction of the Mona, careful considerations and deliberate decisions are made by the clans’ elders to decide on the type of the Mona to be made depending on its intended purposes. Mona comes in three types, the warrior, the voyager, and the fishing vessel. Mona was made watertight using sap from the seeds of a special tree. Depending on the type of mona, it can hold up to ten (10) rowers and move swiftly over water.
For generations, the islanders have crafted remarkable mona that navigates the waters of the Solomon Sea, serving as a testament to their traditional knowledge and skills and the enduring significance of these traditional canoes. This canoe-making artistry was actively practiced and passed down hierarchically to generations and represents a vital part of the island’s cultural heritage.
Historically, mona served as the primary means of transportation for islanders, connecting communities and facilitating trade between the islands. (Mona) holds a deep spiritual significance for the people of Bougainville, making it inseparable from their culture and way of life. This canoe is not just a means of transportation but is also seen as a symbol of pride and ownership and is often associated with ancestral spirits, adding a spiritual dimension to its significance. Mona and Bougainville are intrinsically linked, and one cannot exist without the other in the eyes of the community.
To celebrate this unique life-long tradition, the Autonomous Region of Bougainville Government (ABG) through the Bougainville Arts, Culture and Tourism Authority (BACTA) took the initiative to partner with the National Cultural Commission to establish a cultural festival in the region in 2022.
National Cultural Commission, as the mandated GoPNG agency for all cultural affairs is and will remain committed to supporting the Mona festival with the mission to help protect, preserve, promote, and safeguard this unique canoe culture.
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the National Cultural Commission and the Autonomous Region of Bougainville Government to forge a way forward to provide technical and logistical support to deliver cultural services and development to the people of the Autonomous Region of Bougainville (AROB).
The theme for the 2024 Bougainville Mona Festival was: “Discover Bougainville, Embrace Culture, Celebrate Diversity”. The festival featured more than forty (40) cultural performances, stall displays both from corporate and government bodies, arts and crafts exhibitions, contemporary music, Pageantry of Mr & Miss Mona, and Fashion Show.
By: Noah Mampene, Naomi Galau, and Glenda Sengi
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