Bipi and Sisi Islands
The Bipi and Sisi Islands are located off the west coast of the main island of Manus in the Admiralty Group, part of Papua New Guinea. These islands are situated in the Pacific Ocean and are known for their distinctive cultural and economic characteristics.
Geography and Demographics
Bipi Island is a flat coral island, known for its three villages: Masoh, Matahi, and Kum, which is also referred to as "Salapai". The island is home to approximately one thousand inhabitants. Adjacent to Bipi Island, to the northeast, lies Sisi Island, which shares cultural and linguistic ties with Bipi.
The name "Bipi Island" is believed to have been derived from the "Burns Philp" (BP) corporation's plantation colony, which played a significant role in the region's colonial history.
Culture and Language
The people of Bipi and Sisi Islands speak the Bipi language, classified as the westernmost of the West Manus languages. This language is spoken by roughly 1,200 individuals across both islands. The community maintains rich traditions in art, particularly in woodcarving.
During the 1970s and 1980s, Bipi men were renowned as master woodcarvers, creating artworks that supplemented their incomes from the production of copra. These carvings remain an important aspect of cultural expression and heritage on the islands.
Economy
Today, the main economic activities on Bipi and Sisi Islands revolve around fishing and the sale of bêche-de-mer, also known as sea cucumber, to licensed buyers for Asian markets. This is conducted on the surrounding coral islands and reefs, which are owned by traditional island, reef, and sea-owning groups.
The islands' economies are heavily reliant on the marine resources provided by their surrounding coral ecosystems. These reefs are also integral to the islands' culture and lifestyle, providing both sustenance and employment for the local population.