Acknowledgments

First and foremost, we would like to extend our gratitude to the hundreds of Enga who generously gave us their time and knowledge. We cannot name all of them. Very special thanks go to a few who became our teachers in oral history, devoting days of their time to help us understand: Leme Poul of Kaekini, Ambone Mati of Nemani, Yopo Yakene of Kamaniwane, Kopio and Kambao Lambu of Timali, Kyakas Sapu of Lanekepa, Saiyo Tondea of Sakate, Alo Peter of Kelyanyo, Tindiwi Loape of Yomondaka, Pakea Yakani of Yakumani, and Yakapus Mioko of Kamaniwane..

We were assisted in our data collection by many literate Enga: David Hamal, Paul Steward, and Sakias Tamao of Kandep, Thomas Waip of Laiagam, Yoan Lapi and Peter Thomas of Mulitaka, Joseph Lakani of Par, James Mongola of Tari, Maria Kimala of Irelya, Robert Pyaso of Wabag, and Danny Kili Nembo of Awalemanda. Others working at or in association with the Cultural Centre contributed significantly to research and translation: Alome Kyakas, Pesone Munini, Meck Kepai, Lelyame Yoane, Kuna Masili, and Andy Utuwai. For their assistance, we are most grateful. The late Lazarus Endikio accompanied us on many trips, providing help or humor on all occasions.

Particular thanks are due to Fr. Philip Gibbs, Chris Ballard, and Rod Lacey for sustained interest during our research and for reading and commenting on parts of our manuscript as it developed. Fr. Doug Young gave us numerous insights from his participant studies and programs in conflict resolution. Fritz Robinson generously provided us with his notes and thoughts from his personal experiences in the Sangai. Many helped us with advice, problems and practicalities including Leo Ango, Paul Brennan, Paul and Ruth Wohlt, David and Lois Birner, Graham and Gelma Taylor, Peter and Josie Mommers, Alois Hemetsberger, and Elias Posi. During July-August 1995, Sr. Katherine, Fr. Tony Kröl, Fr. Doug Young, and Sr. Henrilena Par Catholic mission kindly hosted Polly with good food, lodging, and conversation. Gelma and Graham Taylor, and Frank Faulkner repeatedly welcomed us with warm hospitality.

It takes effort to go through old photos, select the best, and donate them in order to transmit information from the past Dr. Paul Brennan, Rev. Otto Hintze, Fr. Gerard Bus, Drs. Ralph and Sue Bulmer, Drs. Paul and Ruth Wohlt, Rev. Harley Kopitsky, Don Jeffers, Dr. Fritz Robinson, Dr. Mervyn Meggitt, Lee Meyer, Herb Schaan, Rev. Ian Walsh, Rev. Gary Teske, and Rev. Ian Grant generously provided invaluable images.

In the 1990s when we returned with additional questions, several Enga asked, “Haven’t you two been at this for an awfully long time, about ten years?” uncertain whether to wonder at our diligence or despair at our dull pace. Those who supported us over all these years must have felt the same way. This project began with minimal resources but gained funding as it grew. For the first three years we worked using our own resources and Polly’s private vehicle. The Department of Enga paid the salaries of Akii Tumu, Alome Kyakas, and Pesone Munini throughout the course of our work. It might be noted here that the Enga Provincial Government is one of the few in Papua New Guinea that supports an active cultural program on a long-term basis. From 1988-1995 the Forschungsstelle für Humanethologie in the Max Planck Society provided Polly Wiessner with an honorarium to work up the material and generously funded four trips for Akii to come to Germany to work up our material.

Over the years we received encouragement and assistance from many people in the Department of Enga, Enga Provincial Government or Enga Councils: Sir Peter Ipatas, Kundapen Talyaga, Mark Yappao, Tao Liua, Danley Tindiwi, Philip and Anguu Kyakala, Luke and Regina Kembol, Diri Kobla, Rance Mimi, Nah Tao, Anderson Aipiti, Henry Kyakas, Patricia Rimbao, Daniel Kumbon, Margaret and Pato Potane, Michael Mangala, Don Archibald, Albert MacSaen, Jeffrey Balakau, and Anson Isingi.