Angoram Things to Do Tips by Bwana_Brown

The entire Sepik River area is famous for it's traditional Spirit Houses, or 'Haus Tambaran' in the local language. Although not too obvious here, these buildings on their typical New Guinea 'stilts' have impressive sway-backed thatched roofs with soaring carved pillars at the two ends. The inside walls of these buildings are lined with shields bearing likenesses of ancestors, mythical beings and spirits of nature. Masks, statues and figures also adorn the interiors of these buildings. Because of it's remoteness and relatively recent exploitation by the outside world, PNG in general and the Sepik area in particular remains one of the most famous in the world for it's indigenous art works. Many fine examples can be seen in these Spirit Houses.

Traditionally, only initiated warriors were allowed inside these buildings, on penalty of death. In the days of cannibalism, the head of a victim from a neighbouring tribe was often hung above the entrance as a warning to those who had not been properly initiated. The name of the building comes from the most important statue (and the 'spirit' it contained) in the village, called a 'Tambaran' and located within its walls. However, these ancient customs are fast falling by the wayside, and many of these houses (including this one) are now open for tourists who may be looking for that great 'art deal' when it comes to masks, flutes, basketwork and jewellery!

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Directions: Close to the centre of the village

If you get a chance to spend some time in Angoram, you would be well-advised to take advantage of the situation and head off for a boating excursion on the Sepik. Most of the activity takes place up-river from here, but it is possible to book boat or motorized-canoe trips at the hotel or tourist agencies in town. You actually have the option of travelling up the Keram River to the village of Kambot as well, since it joins the Sepik close to Angoram. This area provides good forest bird-watching opportunities, maybe even a Bird of Paradise!

Further upriver, there is today a really fancy tour boat operating with overnight cruises between two of the other villages. This one costs and arm and a leg but you are in air-conditioned comfort on this mini self-contained cruise liner! All of these types of tours let you get away from 'tourist centres' like Angoram and experience village life a little closer to reality.

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