Nakama in Papua New Guinea

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

Introduction / History

The Nakame people live in the Saruwaged mountain range in Morobe Province in a mixture of villages and hamlets ranging from 600 to 1000m above sea level. From the southern villages it is possible to catch a PMV (Public Motorized Vehicle) to Lae, the provincial capital, which takes about 3 hours when the road is open. During the rainy season, landslides often close the road.


What Are Their Lives Like?

The people live in houses built on posts between one and one and a half meters above the ground. Houses were traditionally made with woven bamboo floors and walls and thatched roofs of grass. Habitat for Humanity has been working in the area and now some houses are made of lumber and have tin roofs, while others are built in the traditional way.
People mainly eat what they grow in their gardens. Staple foods are taro, sweet potato, yam and cooking bananas. They grow a variety of fruit and vegetables, including a fruit that is a cross between a cucumber and a cantaloupe melon which is only grown in this part of the world. They also grow and sell coffee.


What Are Their Beliefs?

Christianity was introduced to the Nakame area in the first half of the 20th century. Now everyone calls him or herself a Christian. Despite the official practice of Christianity, belief in the traditional religion remains strong. Lack of scriptures in their heart language has led to misunderstandings of spiritual truths.


What Are Their Needs?

The Nakame people currently read the Bible in Tok Pisin. They would like the Bible in their own language. As one man expressed it: "Tok Pisin doesn't have meaning."


Prayer Points

Pray for a complete and accurate Bible translation along with an audio Bible.
Pray for the Holy Spirit to move in Nakame communities, turning their hearts to the Lord of lords rather than the spirit world.


Scripture Prayers for the Nakama in Papua New Guinea.


References

Wycliffe Bible Translators


Profile Source:   Joshua Project  

People Name General Nakama
People Name in Country Nakama
Alternate Names
Population this Country 3,400
Population all Countries 3,400
Total Countries 1
Indigenous Yes
Progress Scale 5
Unreached No
Frontier People Group No
GSEC 4  (per PeopleGroups.org)
Pioneer Workers Needed
PeopleID3 13923
ROP3 Code 107033
Country Papua New Guinea
Region Australia and Pacific
Continent Australia
10/40 Window No
Persecution Rank Not ranked
Location in Country Morobe province: west and northwest of Boana Saruwaged Range south side. 6 villages.   Source:  Ethnologue 2016
Country Papua New Guinea
Region Australia and Pacific
Continent Australia
10/40 Window No
Persecution Rank Not ranked
Location in Country Morobe province: west and northwest of Boana Saruwaged Range south side. 6 villages..   Source:  Ethnologue 2016
Primary Religion: Christianity
Major Religion Percent
Buddhism
0.00 %
Christianity  (Evangelical 24.00 %)
90.00 %
Ethnic Religions
10.00 %
Hinduism
0.00 %
Islam
0.00 %
Non-Religious
0.00 %
Other / Small
0.00 %
Unknown
0.00 %
Primary Language Nakame
Language Code nib   Ethnologue Listing
Primary Dialect Nakama
Dialect Code 14644   Global Recordings Listing
Language Written Unknown
Total Languages 1
Primary Language Nakame
Language Code nib   Ethnologue Listing
Primary Dialect Nakama
Dialect Code 14644   Global Recordings Listing
Total Languages 1
People Groups Speaking Nakame

Primary Language:  Nakame

Bible Translation Status:  Translation Started

Resource Type Resource Name Source
None reported  
Photo Source Anonymous 
Map Source Anonymous  
Profile Source Joshua Project 
Data Sources Data is compiled from various sources. Learn more.


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