Papuans

Papuans are the indigenous peoples of the island of New Guinea and nearby islands. The eastern half of the island forms the sovereign nation of Papua New Guinea, while the western half comprises Indonesian provinces called Papua and West Papua. The term covers hundreds of distinct ethnic groups who share broad cultural traits but speak a wide array of languages, most of them classified as Papuan rather than Austronesian.

Linguistically diverse, Papuan communities speak hundreds of language varieties. Many are non-Austronesian and are often not mutually intelligible, tied to particular regions and kin groups. In addition to language, Papuan cultures maintain rich oral traditions, land-based knowledge, and varied religious and ceremonial practices, sometimes blending traditional beliefs with introduced faiths.

Economy and daily life in Papuan regions typically center on subsistence activities such as horticulture (including crops like taro, yams, and sago), fishing, and hunting. Craft traditions are prominent, including wood carving, barkcloth making, weaving, and other ceremonial arts. Population distribution and cultural expression vary widely between coastal areas, highlands, and urban centers in both Papua New Guinea and Indonesian provinces.

History and politics: The Papuan region has a long precolonial history followed by European colonial rule and the postwar division of the island. Papua New Guinea gained independence in 1975; the western half was incorporated into Indonesia. Since then, Papuan communities have pursued a range of goals from local autonomy to independence, with ongoing political tensions, debates over development, land rights, and the impacts of resource extraction on indigenous land and livelihoods.