East Kewa in Papua New Guinea

The East Kewa have only been reported in Papua New Guinea
Population
Main Language
Largest Religion
Christian
Evangelical
Progress
Progress Gauge

Introduction / History

The Kewapi live in the Southern Highlands Province of Papua New Guinea. Their land stretches from the swamps near Lalibu in the north, to the grasslands in the southern Kagua Valley. Two large rivers, the Laro and the Mendi-Erave, form natural boundaries for the Kewapi's land. There are a number of roads in the area, but no viable airstrips. The Kewapi peoples' mother tongue, East Kewa, is linguistically related to West Kewa and South Kewa. However, it is distinct enough to prevent them from reading materials written in these languages.

The Kewapi people make baskets, arrows, and stone axes. They trade frequently with one another, and with neighboring groups for tree oil and cassowary birds. Coffee provides most income for Kewapi families. They also grow bananas, peanuts, sweet potatoes, and other types of vegetables, both for their own consumption and for sale at local markets. Income is also derived from the sale of pigs. Most people wear western-style clothing, which they buy at markets and second-hand clothing outlets. While the majority consider themselves Christians, syncretism is strongly woven into the religious beliefs of the Kewapi. Following the traditions of their ancestors, some practice sorcery and many live in fear of powerful ghosts.

Some clans, who are historical enemies, are fighting over deaths attributed to sorcery. There is also animosity over contested land and politics. Kewapi children are educated in schools where English is the language of instruction. The literacy rate among adults is low. The New Testament has been available in the East Kewa language since 2005.


Prayer Points

Scripture Prayers for the Kewa, East in Papua New Guinea.


Profile Source:   Anonymous  

People Name General Kewa, East
People Name in Country Kewa, East
Natural Name East Kewa
Alternate Names East Kewa
Population this Country 90,000
Population all Countries 90,000
Total Countries 1
Indigenous Yes
Progress Scale 5
Unreached No
Frontier People Group No
GSEC 6  (per PeopleGroups.org)
Pioneer Workers Needed
PeopleID3 11679
ROP3 Code 102820
Country Papua New Guinea
Region Australia and Pacific
Continent Australia
10/40 Window No
Persecution Rank Not ranked
Location in Country Southern Highlands province: Ialibu and Kagua districts.   Source:  Ethnologue 2016
Country Papua New Guinea
Region Australia and Pacific
Continent Australia
10/40 Window No
Persecution Rank Not ranked
Location in Country Southern Highlands province: Ialibu and Kagua districts..   Source:  Ethnologue 2016
Primary Religion: Christianity
Major Religion Percent
Buddhism
0.00 %
Christianity  (Evangelical 30.00 %)
99.00 %
Ethnic Religions
1.00 %
Hinduism
0.00 %
Islam
0.00 %
Non-Religious
0.00 %
Other / Small
0.00 %
Unknown
0.00 %
Primary Language Kewapi, East (90,000 speakers)
Language Code kjs   Ethnologue Listing
Language Written Yes   ScriptSource Listing
Total Languages 1
Primary Language Kewapi, East (90,000 speakers)
Language Code kjs   Ethnologue Listing
Total Languages 1
People Groups Speaking Kewapi, East
Map Source Anonymous  
Profile Source Anonymous 
Data Sources Data is compiled from various sources. Learn more.


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