Culture and Traditions of Southern Highlands Province

Southern Highlands Province is one of the seven provinces of the Highlands Region of Papua New Guinea. Southern Highlands was recently separated into two provinces namely: Hela Province and Southern Highlands Province itself.

The people of Southern Highlands, like the rest of the Highlanders of Papua New Guinea have unique body paintings made from various sources such as oil from plants, animals (such as pig's oil), mud and clay. They are well known for various designs of on the face (face painting) as well as the body. Their dance and songs assemble that of war cries and are quite unique.

The famous Huli Wigman come from the Tari area of Southern Highlands Province. In 2012, Tari will be officially recognized is part of the new Hela Province. Tourists are welcome to see Huli Wigman perform at any national events such as Independence Day and the many Cultural Shows and Events through out Papua New Guinea.

Photos below show some of the cultures and traditions of Southern Highlands Province.