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.
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 | 88,000 |
Population all Countries | 88,000 |
Total Countries | 1 |
Indigenous | Yes |
Progress Scale | 5 ● |
Unreached | No |
Frontier People Group | No |
GSEC | 6 (per PeopleGroups.org) |
Pioneer Workers Needed | |
People ID | 11679 |
ROP3 Code | 102820 |
ROP25 Code | 303912 |
ROP25 Name | Kewa |
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 (88,000 speakers) |
Language Code | kjs Ethnologue Listing |
Language Written | Yes ScriptSource Listing |
Total Languages | 1 |
Primary Language | Kewapi, East (88,000 speakers) |
Language Code | kjs Ethnologue Listing |
Total Languages | 1 |
People Groups | Speaking Kewapi, East |
Primary Language: Kewapi, East
Bible Translation ▲ | Status (Years) |
---|---|
Bible-Portions | Yes (1967-1988) |
Bible-New Testament | Yes (2004-2020) |
Bible-Complete | No |
FCBH NT (www.bible.is) | Online |
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 | Faith Comes By Hearing - Bible in text or audio or video | Faith Comes by Hearing |
General | Scripture Earth Gospel resources links | Scripture Earth |
General | YouVersion Bible versions in text and/or audio | YouVersion Bibles |
Mobile App | Android Bible app direct APK download | SIL |
Mobile App | Android Bible app: Kewapi, East | YouVersion Bibles |
Mobile App | iOS Bible app direct APK download | SIL |
Mobile App | iOS Bible app: Kewapi, East | YouVersion Bibles |
Text / Printed Matter | Download scripture in this language | eBible.org |
Text / Printed Matter | Scripture text - download | PNG Bible Translation Association |
Map Source | Anonymous |
Profile Source | Anonymous |
Data Sources | Data is compiled from various sources. Learn more. |