More Than a Half Century of the Goroka and Hagen Shows: The Evolution of a New Cultural Tradition

Abstract

For over fifty years, the Goroka and Hagen Shows have been important events in the Papua New Guinea Highlands. Their examples of cultural representation have greatly influenced comparable festivals in other parts of the country and the Pacific. This article outlines the origins of these shows, considers why they should be researched more fully, and promotes the use of often neglected publications as essential tools in such research.