18/09/2025
Tom Kave, known in the books as Tom Kabo, a trailblazer from Baimuru in the Purari Delta, played a pivotal role in shaping his people's history.
During World War II, Tom joined the Australian Navy, traveled abroad, and was exposed to Western civilization. Inspired by his experiences, he envisioned bringing positive change to his native community upon his return.
Upon his return, Tom introduced innovative building techniques, incorporating woven patterns into traditional house walls. However, this shift contributed to the decline of the traditional Baimuru Haus Tambaran, a cultural structure that once stood as a cornerstone of the community.
Tom was also instrumental in the early migrations of his people from Old Iare to Mapaio Village in Baimuru along the mighty Purari River. Later on, he established a sago camp in Port Moresby known as "Rabia Camp," which now commonly referred to as Kaugere. Although this camp facilitated sago trade with the Motu Koita people, it marked a significant shift away from the iconic Hiri trade. Instead of the Motu Koita people travelling accross the seas to trade, the Baimuru people would bring sago to Rabia Camp, in Port Moresby for trade. While the camp represented a notable period in Baimuru's history, it also signaled the end of an era.
However, the migration period witnessed the erosion of many Baimuru cultural practices. Original carvings, dance patterns, face painting, arts/designs and traditional structures like the Haus Tambaran and Dukduk [Imunu] gradually faded away. Today, remnants of our cultural heritage remain, but much has been lost.
This photo is what remains of our culture. Although there is a lot to showcase, very little is what we hold today.
It is hoped that visionary leaders from Baimuru will organize a traditional show to revive and celebrate the original culture of our people. Guided by the wisdom of our elders, we can work towards preserving our heritage for future generations.
Let us shift away from mining and move towards tourism and agriculture.
Let's honor our past and strive towards a brighter cultural future for Baimuru!
By John Vaii
Photo: by Code BlaX Media,
featuring Baimuru dancing group,
Kaugere Mini Cultural Show
