Koiwat in Papua New Guinea

Introduction / History

The Koiwat people are one of the many indigenous tribes that inhabit the remote highlands of north central Papua New Guinea. They have probably lived in the area for thousands of years and have maintained their traditional way of life despite the increasing influence of modernity.

The history of the Koiwat people is not well documented, they probably migrated to the highlands of Papua New Guinea from the coastal regions many centuries ago. They were hunter-gatherers who relied on the natural resources of the forest to sustain their way of life. Over time, they developed a unique culture and belief system that was closely tied to the land and the natural environment.

PNG became an independent nation in 1975 after having been a territory governed by Australia. PNG was a battleground in WWII between the Japanese and the Allies. Australia is still the major trade partner with PNG and provides assistance in many areas.

At the present time, there are no known Christian resources in the Koiwat language.

What Are Their Lives Like?

The lifestyle of the Koiwat people is centered around subsistence agriculture and animal husbandry. They cultivate crops such as sweet potatoes, taro, and yams, as well as raise pigs and chickens for food and trade. They also engage in hunting and gathering, and fishing in the nearby rivers and streams.

The Koiwat people live in small villages, and their traditional houses are made of materials such as bamboo, thatch and wood. These houses are raised on stilts and have a communal living area with separate sleeping quarters. The community is closely knit, and they work together to ensure that everyone's needs are met.

The Koiwat people have their own forms of storytelling, music and dance. They use these forms of expression to pass down their history and cultural heritage from generation to generation. They also have a tradition of face painting, which is done for ceremonial and social events.

In recent years, the Koiwat people have faced many challenges as a result of external pressures, including deforestation, mining and the spread of modernization. These pressures have threatened their traditional way of life and their relationship with the land. However, the Koiwat people continue to hold onto their cultural identity and their way of life, which is an inspiration to many who value cultural diversity and the preservation of indigenous knowledge.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The majority of the Koiwat claim to be followers of Jesus Christ. However, their traditional animistic beliefs are deeply rooted in their culture. Animism is the belief that all things in nature have a spirit or soul. They believe that the land, trees, animals, and even rocks have a life force that must be respected and honored. They also believe in the existence of ancestral spirits, who they believe have the power to influence their lives.

What Are Their Needs?

The Koiwat people have many needs. Most of all they need to be discipled in the ways of the Lord. They need teachers to teach them literacy skills. They need the blessings modern medicine. Many children die of preventable diseases before the age of ten.

Prayer Points

Pray that soon the Koiwat will have the word of God in their own language.

Pray the Lord will raise up teachers to teach the Koiwat to read their Bible.

Pray that the Koiwat church would grow and produce workers who are willing to go to other PNG tribes to tell them about the Lord and his grace.

Pray that Koiwat parents would be able to provide for their children.

Text Source:   Joshua Project