PIGGY STYLE
‘Sus
scrofa domesticus ‘or simply ‘Boroma in PNG
Motu or Pig in English is what the fancy name refers to. Most people would
careless as to what fancy names this revered animal may have, the only thing
that comes to mind when this animal is mentioned is that, it is valued. Pacific
Islanders value this animal as it is used in bride prices, feasts, ceremonies
and is a sign of wealth and prestige in society.
Papua New Guinea is one such pacific island
country that values this animal. The respect given to the pig goes to such an
extent where a person can be killed for harming a pig. However, this piece will
not be focused on discussing its value and importance but on the process of how
it is killed, butchered, and then distributed.
Killing Process
In Papua New Guinea, there are ten million ways
that pigs are killed, depending on what region you are situated at. For the
Southern Region, which is predominately made up of coastal, Polynesian/Micronesian
descent people, here is what they do.
Step 1
·
Use
the backhand of a machete to strike severe blows to the head of the pig.
·
It
should be dead within 5 minutes.
Step 2
·
Pile
up woods then build an arc like structure whereby the pig is to be hanged to
burn of its skin.
·
Once
the skin is burned, wash it.
Step 3
·
The
butcher normally starts from the back cutting it straight up from the ass to
the mouth.
·
Once
that is done, it is turned on its belly.
·
The
butcher then does the same for the inner part.
·
The
butcher then removes the pigs internal organs
Step 4
·
It
is then cut equally according to family ties and clanship.
·
The
seniority figure in the clan gets the best and biggest chuck from the pig.
·
Other
parts are distributed amongst all family and clan members
So there
you have it, a step by step process as to how a pig is killed and distributed
by Southern Region people of Papua New Guinea.
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