“MI LES LONG YUPELA USIM FLAG BILONG MI”:* SYMBOLS AND IDENTITY IN PAPUA NEW GUINEA

Authors

Andrew J. Strathern, University of PittsburghFollow
Pamela J. Stewart, University of PittsburghFollow

Abstract

In Papua New Guinea there is a constant interplay between senses of national identity and senses of local identity that is of particular relevance to debates in the contemporary Pacific. In the domain of symbols of identity there is also a two-way appropriation from the local to the national and from the national to the local. We argue that the latter process works most strongly and thereby modifies the process of creation of an overall national sense of identity. The incorporation of the national into the local in turn influences the process of the production of locality itself. Contemporary issues of intellectual property rights also enter into struggles over identity. These processes are illustrated with a number of case studies, including the conflict presented in Papua New Guinea newspapers regarding ownership of the design of the national flag.

* “I’m tired of you people using my flag.” —Papua New Guinea Post-Courier, 16 September 1998

Recommended Citation

Strathern, Andrew J. and Stewart, Pamela J. (2000) "“MI LES LONG YUPELA USIM FLAG BILONG MI”:* SYMBOLS AND IDENTITY IN PAPUA NEW GUINEA," Pacific Studies: Vol. 23: No. 1, Article 2.
Available at: https://digitalcollections.byuh.edu/pacific-studies-journal/vol23/iss1/2