Madang's Haus Tumbuna, lost in time
So I stepped into Madang's Visitors & Cultural Bureau last week, located opposite the Laiwaden Oval, home of the Tusbab Stallions of the National Soccer League fame', the oval that is.....
The bureau though, it was as if I had stepped back into time- yet another iconic center laying close to forgotten. I had been here some 20years ago during the glory days of Madang's tourism rise and except for the obvious wear and tear, little else had changed.
Spotting a new freshly colored paint job on the fence, it was a far contrast to the inside. Staff here say the provincial government has alluded to some refurbishing work assistance and they're all fingers crossed at this stage.
But you can't compare the feeling of history and housing something special when you walk through it's old doors.
The dimly lit room had enough light in it for visitors to get a sense of it's treasures- stone axe artifacts, grass skirts, wind pipes, garamut, traditional wood carving, memories from the Germany rule, those from the Japanese passing through, a chiefs chair (tallest I've seen I'll bet) used in traditional circumcision ceremonies for the path to manhood, claypots, the Balengat canoe from Bilbil, paintings from local artists and much much more.
They sit there, to remind Madang of where it's come from and where it is going. But the dust cover is noticeable. The lively Angela at the front desk of the Museum as it is also know, opens up windows to let some breeze in. It can be a little hot in there, a few minutes in and you start to perspire. She gives us an apologetic smile, "If only we had air-conditioning.All these need it too," throwing her hand in a wild gesture towards the artifacts.
They've some great stuff in there, treasures from as far back as the 60s.
In it's hey days, the museum also housed a theater arts studio upstairs. One of it's members Beno Ibi is still around keeping things grounded and let's lose when given the opportunity.
He enthralled us with his tales of Madang legends such as Kilibob and Manup from the Bilbil area and his personal favorite, the Fish at Riwo by the Gedaged people from which he is from.
Ours was a school organized trip, and we were struck by the thought, we could never have known if we never had gone. And it's just minutes away from us.
If you've time, drop by and check out your history Madang, the friendly staff led by Joan at the Museum will be more than happy to show you around.
It's K5 per adult and K1for student entry fee. Money collected goes back to the upkeep of the museum which has not seen that many visitors of the late given the current pandemic circumstances.
They are located along Modilon Road, right opposite the Laiwaden Oval on your way into Madang Town. Operating hours are between 8am to noon and 1pm to 4.30pm weekdays. They can be contacted on 4223302 for further queries.
Note: *Writer is only passing through.....
What an enchanting place to visit to get a feel of the history of Madang (and PNG). Important that it is looked after well.
ReplyDeleteThanks Bea, you can say that again. Enchanting has a nice ring to it.
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