The Imajica Experience
Information
- Imajica Crew
- Seasons & Climate
- Cultural Festivals
- Fishing in PNG
- Tembin Shark Callers
- Baining Fire Dancers
- Photography
Baining Photos
Baining Fire Dancers
The Baining people live in the mountains out of Rabaul and are famous for their customary fire-dancing. The original owners of the knowledge are from Komgi village, set deep in the mountains at the base of a huge natural limestone cliff.
The village began several generations ago when a man settled here with his eight wives. The name Komgi comes from a medicinal plant which the old man used to treat his ailments. His sons are now chiefs of the village, and the population has now grown to roughly several hundred.
A strict code of social rules ensures marriages occur between members of seperate villages and most families have three living areas - one in the village, one at the garden where vegetables are grown and one where the pigs are kept.
Of the original settlers at Komgi only one wife is still alive. Nonetheless the Baining customs have been passed down and are very much alive today.
Before a fire-dance the young men must begin secret preparations up to one month before we arrive. As the sunlight disappears on our fourth night, a large bonfire is lit and the fire-dancers begin. The band pumps out a hypnotic chant while the dancers run through the fire in a trance, kicking hot logs and showering red coals into the night.
As we head to bed late in the night, the ceremony will continue until the very early hours of the morning or until every burning ember is extinguished because for the people of Komgi the act of fire-dancing is a sacred custom that must be followed according to tradition, not just a tourist attraction.
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