MotuKoitabu

Motu Koitabu is the traditional homeland of the Motu and Koitabu peoples, located in Papua New Guinea. It encompasses the coastal region surrounding Port Moresby, the nation's capital. Historically, this area was a vital hub for trade and cultural exchange, particularly known for the Motuans' sago trade voyages known as the "Hiri." These expeditions, undertaken in large outrigger canoes called lakatoi, saw the Motuans trade sago flour from the Papuan Gulf region for goods such as pottery and shell ornaments.

The Koitabu people, who inhabited the inland areas, were closely linked to the Motuans, often through intermarriage and shared customs. Their traditional territories extended into the hills behind the coast. The arrival of European colonizers significantly impacted the social and economic structures of the Motu Koitabu people, leading to changes in their land ownership and traditional practices.

Today, the descendants of the Motu and Koitabu people continue to reside in the region, maintaining their cultural heritage while also participating in modern Papua New Guinean society. Efforts are ongoing to preserve their languages and traditions. The cultural significance of Motu Koitabu is recognized, and its history forms an important part of Papua New Guinea's national identity. The area remains a focal point for understanding the pre-colonial history and cultural evolution of the region.