Group members and Topics: 

 Kelsey Neal: New Guinea;

     The various cultures that our group is researching are connected roughly by geographic location and prehistoric migration. New Guinea was first populated between 40,000 and 50,000 years ago as part of a human migration that took place much earlier than the Lapita Migration which populated the further Polynesian Islands. The population of New Guinea did come in contact the Lapita migrants at around 1600 B.C. and integrated the domestic dogs, chickens and pigs, that the migrants brought, into their food production. 

     We also chose to connect these diverse cultures through the role that ceremony plays in their self adornment. In New Guinea, public displays of self decoration are important components of rituals and ceremonies, which are held for tribal exchange, religious ritual, adult initiation, and the mourning of tribal members. New Guinea tribes often use face and body paint as a part of the adornment worn for these ceremonies.

Sam Timidaiski: Kava Ceremonies;

     Kava culture is a commonly reoccuring theme throughout many of the indigenous groups throughout the region.  The kava plant is grows throughout most of the Polynesian islands and can be quickly brewed into a drink for its medicinal and body effects.  It is used in many social gatherings and ceremonies, while others drink it in family settings.