Namau, Koriki in Papua New Guinea

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

Introduction / History

The Koriki Namau live in remote parts of Papua New Guinea. Traditionally, their history has been passed through oral stories, emphasizing clan relationships, land, and survival skills. They maintain a strong connection to their ancestral lands and local customs. The Koriki Namau speaks the Purari language.


What Are Their Lives Like?

Daily life revolves around subsistence gardening, hunting, and fishing. Families are tightly knit, with elders guiding decision-making. Celebrations mark harvests, initiations, and community milestones. Meals often feature root crops, sago, and occasional bush meats.


What Are Their Beliefs?

Koriki Namau spirituality combines ancestor veneration, spirit mediation, and ritual observances. Christian missionaries have reached some communities, introducing the gospel, though syncretism remains common. Faith in Jesus offers hope for transformation and reconciliation.


What Are Their Needs?

Understanding of Christ's love is limited, and exposure to biblical teaching is rare. Access to education, clean water, and health care is minimal. Communities benefit from encouragement to engage in God's mission through prayer, Scripture, and practical service.


Prayer Items

Pray for spiritual awakening among the Koriki Namau.
Pray that Koriki Namau families would embrace Jesus fully.
Pray for those already following Christ to grow in faith and join the mission force.
Pray for health, education, and sustainable food security to strengthen communities physically and spiritually.
Pray for the faithful translation and wide distribution of the Scriptures, evangelism resources, and discipleship materials in the Purari language.


Scripture Prayers for the Namau, Koriki in Papua New Guinea.


Profile Source:   Joshua Project  

People Name General Namau
People Name in Country Namau, Koriki
Alternate Names Eurika; Koriki
Population this Country 11,000
Population all Countries 11,000
Total Countries 1
Indigenous Yes
Progress Scale Progress Gauge
Unreached No
Frontier No
GSEC 5  (per PeopleGroups.org)
Pioneer Workers Needed
PeopleID3 13933
ROP3 Code 107054
Country Papua New Guinea
Region Australia and Pacific
Continent Australia
10/40 Window No
Persecution Rank Not ranked
Location in Country Gulf province: Kapaina inlet to Orokolo, Purari river.   Source:  Ethnologue 2016
Country Papua New Guinea
Region Australia and Pacific
Continent Australia
10/40 Window No
Persecution Rank Not ranked
Location in Country Gulf province: Kapaina inlet to Orokolo, Purari river..   Source:  Ethnologue 2016

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Primary Religion: Christianity
Major Religion Estimated Percent
Buddhism
0.00 %
Christianity
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 Purari (11,000 speakers)
Language Code iar   Ethnologue Listing
Written / Published Yes   ScriptSource Listing
Total Languages 1
Primary Language Purari (11,000 speakers)
Language Code iar   Ethnologue Listing
Total Languages 1
People Groups Speaking Purari

Primary Language:  Purari

Bible Translation Status  (Years)
Bible-Portions Yes  (1910-1967)
Bible-New Testament Yes  (1920-1947)
Bible-Complete No
YouVersion NT (www.bible.com) Online
Possible Print Bibles
Amazon
World Bibles
Forum Bible Agencies
National Bible Societies
World Bible Finder
Virtual Storehouse
Resource Type Resource Name Source
Audio Recordings Audio Bible teaching Global Recordings Network
General YouVersion Bible versions in text and/or audio YouVersion Bibles
Mobile App Android Bible app: Purari YouVersion Bibles
Mobile App iOS Bible app: Purari YouVersion Bibles
Profile Source Joshua Project 
Data Sources Data is compiled from various sources. Learn more.