Kuna Siuwai Pokong details over thirty traditional medicinal plants with their healing properties and cultural values from the Siwai region of Bougainville. Bougainville Island is an autonomous region of Papua New Guinea.

The project stems from Chief Alex Dawia, Taa Lupumoiku Clan, and Chief Jeffrey Noro, Rura Clan, concerns that tacit oral knowledge systems are eroding due to external influences. One way to preserve this vital cultural knowledge is to codify it within a book format for current and future generations. The book prioritises local Motuna language throughout since language and plant knowledge are inextricably linked in the Siwai culture. The book aligns with the cultural need for art in Bougainville to be practical and functional.

The book is an outcome of a cross-cultural project with Australian photographer Kate Robertson. The book is published by The Kainake Project, a community-based grassroots organisation in Bougainville. The Kainake Project promotes the use of traditional leadership structures and cultural and traditional knowledge for locals to conserve their environment sustainably.

Books have been handed to schools throughout Siwai, and a portion is available for purchase internationally, with all money supporting community projects. Book sale proceeds have already purchased a water tank for the Kainake Village. Books were also given to community-based grassroots organisation Rara-Rarei Foundation Inc. to use as a fundraising tool for their continued efforts to build libraries and train librarians across Siwai.

The UNDP funded the printing of the book through its Small Grants Program.

Kuna Siuwai Pokong can be purchased by emailing info@kainakeproject.org.

Book details
500 copies
80 pages
21 x 15 cm
Motuna and English
ISBN: 978-0-646-99227-3
published in 2018

Press
Papua New Guinea Post Courier
Loop PNG
TVWAN News (Papua New Guinean TV channel)

Collections
Australian Museum (AUS)
Field Museum (USA)
Papua New Guinea National Museum and Art Gallery (PNG)