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The Tradition of Storytelling in Papuan Culture, Does it Still Exist?

The tradition of storytelling in Papuan Culture certainly has many benefits for the younger generation because this method is intended to provide them with information and moral values in life.

This method is used so that children can absorb what their parents convey.

Several Folktales Illustrate Papuan Culture

Some of the folklore that was created is able to illustrate the culture of Papua as a whole. Not only is that, these folktales sometimes also useful to help express certain emotions. 

Therefore, there is great hope for the government and the people of Papua to be able to continue to preserve this tradition. Then, what are the folk stories?

1. Biwar, the Dragon Slayer

This folklore revolves around a guy named Biwar who seeks retribution against a terrible dragon. The dragon slaughtered his family, which is the reason. 

The message of this tale is to be brave and steadfast in the face of difficulty. Similar to how Biwar made every effort to alter his course of events.

After conveying this folklore, Papuan parents hope that their children can try hard to achieve their dreams. 

Keep holding on even though there are many obstacles that might hinder you during the journey to achieve that dream. 

2. The Origin of Cendrawasih Bird

Folklore which is also popular in Papua is the origin of Cendrawasih bird. The story is quite simple with a deep meaning contained in it. 

The whole story tells of a husband and wife named Bone and Baria. The two have two sons, named Kiara and Niko. However, before that, Baria already had a child named Kweiya

Her two children are jealous of Kweiya and plan a sinister scheme to trap him. At the end of the story Baria and Kweiya turn into a bird. 

The moral of the story is that being overly jealous will do more harm than good in Papuan culture. Do not be envious of your siblings since you cannot undo the harm that has been done to them.

Benefits of Tradisi Storytelling

This province is rich in languages and even the Papuan language itself has up to 307 languages so most people have difficulty absorbing knowledge using Indonesian. 

Therefore, with the existence of this storytelling, it is hoped that it will be able to provide knowledge to the generation about certain knowledge.

Not only that, but many folklore also provide information to future generations about Papuan culture and their social life. 

Folklore is therefore a priceless cultural legacy for the tribe’s members.  This certainly can help increase their love for maintaining this cultural heritage so that it is maintained over time.

Not only limited to Papua, all people in various regions of Indonesia can also apply this method to help transfer knowledge and moral values contained in the region to their children. 

In addition, by using this method, children are happier in learning.

Folklore is a tool for preserving and transmitting Papuan culture and knowledge. To pass on to the next generation, the folktales have specific moral lessons. Children can discover courage and emotion through these two tales.

From the information above, it is important for everyone to maintain the tradition of storytelling in Papuan culture.