1320 PNG: Continuing the tradition: missionary writes 'Children of the Fire' in appreciation and for preservation of an ancient culture
austraLasia 1320

Continuing the tradition: missionary writes 'Children of the Fire' in appreciation and for preservation of an ancient culture

RABAUL (PNG): 7th November 2005 -- It would make a revealing study one day to draw together all of the efforts of Salesian anthropologists, ethnologists, linguists and others (who may just want to call themselves evangelists) around the world and over the space of a century.  Our museums around the globe are partly a witness to them.  So is the literature they have produced and are producing.  Today a new item appeared on austraLasia's desk: Children of the Fire: The life, legends and customs of the Mali Baining of Papua New Guinea, by Fr John Cabrido sdb, missionary in PNG and currently completing doctoral studies in Rome, in Sacred Scripture.  John has already made a mark for his attention to anthropology, ethnology in his teaching of Scripture, in catechesis and pastoral work in Papua New Guinea.  This recent effort consolidates his efforts and brings them to a wider audience which he would like to be you and me, in the first place.  There is little doubt, though, that its quality will attract those with a more studied interest in the ethnology of East Britain, PNG.
    The author indicates in personal correspondence that the pristine coastal area on the PNG island of New Britain which he visited in 2001 reminded him in the first place of his dad's home island of Maui (Hawai'i) or the Philippine's Palawan, but what moved him to take up his project was that the Mali Baining people were in danger of having their culture wiped out by the incursions of 'progress'.  With a villager who had studied for a year at the University of PNG, he agreed initially to collaborate - the student would write the text and he, Fr John, would take the pictures!  Of course it became much more complicated than that!  But you can understand from this comment that the book is brilliantly illustrated.  It is a real delight, and the pictures - the centrepiece being the Fire Dance itself - are a strong invitation to read the text.  The text is non-academic and in fact largely narrative; in short, very readable.  All photos are colour and all are set against full-colour pages, as are the opening texts to all five sections and some other parts besides.  There are 80 pages.
    Fieldwork of this kind requires the lengthy presence of the fieldworker, in this case a two month stint, living amongst and with the tribal people.  This tribe, as with many relatively secluded tribes around the world, guard their secrets closely.  Fr John needed to secure the support of the village elders.  Again in personal correspondence he indicates that because of infrequent visits by Catholic priests, many in the various villages of the tribe had long ago 'left' the Catholic Church to form their own 'Kivung' or Cargo Cult.  He had quite a task getting members of the cult to cooperate.  Many did, some did not, but he found ready support from young Catholics and cult adherents.
    While one might describe this work as 'priceless', no doubt that will not be the description offered by Salesiana Publishers, Inc. Makati!  No price was indicated - it will not be too costly.  There has been no stinting on quality, however.  It's not meant to be a 'coffee-table' work, but it would grace any small table of that kind.  Further information on pricing and mailing can be sought from spi@donbosco.net and any other details on contents from johnsdb@pacbell.net
VOCABULARY
ethnologist: sub-branch of anthropology.  Person who works with folklore, beliefs and practices, possibly to discover common 'laws' or features.
pristine: as if new, like at the time of creation
stint: N.  a period of time
no stinting on: V.  no limits imposed
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