Kamoro of West Papua exhibit art works in Jakarta
Kamoro of West Papua exhibit art works in Jakarta
Emmy Fitri, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta
"They are lovers, not fighters," said the celebrated photographer Kal Muller when asked to describe the Kamoro people, an ethnic tribe in Papua.
Some 18,000 Kamoro live in the southwest coastal area of Mimika regency in West Papua, surviving through sago farming and the bounty of the rivers and the sea.
The Kamoro people have rich artistic and cultural lives, practicing rituals and art forms that have been passed down through the generations.
Surrounded by nature, the main activity of the Kamoro is fishing, particularly for the sharks that can feed an entire family for a month or two.
Once they cut their sago palms, the processed food is sufficient to feed the heads of the families for more than a week.
It is a peaceful and simple life, but for how much longer will the Kamoro be able to rely on nature for their survival? That question consumes Muller, who is a consultant for mining company PT Freeport Indonesia. As part of the company's community development program, Muller approached the Kamoro and shared with them the knowledge that will help them use their art and culture to sustain themselves.
Unlike the Asmat -- another of Papua's tribes, known throughout the world for their art and culture -- the Kamoro are latecomers in introducing the outside world to their wealthy culture.
Better late than never, particularly if it is not too late to keep the younger Kamoro from throwing off their traditional culture for more modern lifestyles.
"The striking difference between the art produced by the Asmat and the Kamoro is in the final product. The Kamoro produce more refined, smooth statues, although they use similar symbols in their sculptures," Muller said.
Muller and his wife Georgina have divided their time between their world and the Kamoro world, to encourage them to embrace their art and culture and let the outside world learn more about them.
The couple accompanied several Kamoro artists to Jakarta in September last year for an exhibition. This year they have been invited by the Mexican Embassy in Jakarta to hold an art exhibition at the residence of the Mexican ambassador.
Muller is scheduled to talk about the Kamoro and present a slide show of their daily rituals during the exhibition. Three Kamoro artists will give a demonstration of woodcarving, singing, dancing and playing the drums.
"It happens that the ambassador is a very good friend of Pak Kal. His wife, Susana Mignon, is the one who is organizing the exhibition," Georgina told The Jakarta Post.
An auction will also be held during the exhibition, which will run from April 29 until May 1.
"There was a lot of interest (in the previous exhibition) and many people asked me when we were coming back again. We're very pleased that people show such a keen interest and truly enjoy the art.
"I think in time, Kamoro art will become much sought after, which is good because for too long the world thought that only Asmat art existed (in Papua)," Georgina said.
The Kamoro Art Exhibition will be open daily from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., from April 29 to May 1, at the Mexican Embassy on Jl. Patra Kuningan in South Jakarta.