Rising seas and drowning cultures? Climate change and barkcloth art among the Maisin people of Papua New Guinea

This paper presents the preliminary results of an interdisciplinary project detailing the effects of rising sea levels on indigenous culture and the arts, while empowering local communities and creating awareness about safeguarding people’s unique cultural heritage and livelihood. The project focuses on the Maisin people, famous for their barkcloth (tapa) art. Living along the shores of Collingwood Bay in Oro Province, Papua New Guinea (PNG), Maisin communities have been living with rising sea levels for several generations, but in November 2007 were hit by devastating floods that undermined houses and destroyed gardens, as well as tapa art practices. In collaboration with PNG climate change scientists and Maisin people, the project combines anthropological research with science, exhibition and film-making, aiming to empower Maisin communities, exploring and activating people’s own knowledge and decision-making processes.