The Motu people are an ethnic group native to the Central Province of Papua New Guinea. They are known for their vibrant and diverse culture, which is reflected in their famous individuals who have made significant contributions in various fields. Here is a list of the top 10 famous Motu people:
- 1. Sir Hubert Murray: Sir Hubert Murray was a British Australian administrator who served as the Lieutenant Governor and Chief Judicial Officer of British Papua between 1908 and 1940. He played a crucial role in the development of Papua New Guinea’s legal system.
- 2. Dame Rachel Cleland: Dame Rachel Cleland was the first female governor-general of Papua New Guinea. She served from 1997 to 2003 and was known for her advocacy for women’s rights and education.
- 3. Rarua Dikana: Rarua Dikana is a prominent Motu musician known for his unique fusion of traditional Motu music with contemporary styles. He has released several albums and is considered a pioneer in Papua New Guinean music.
- 4. Dame Carol Kidu: Dame Carol Kidu is a renowned social worker, politician, and women’s rights advocate. She served as a Member of Parliament in Papua New Guinea from 1997 to 2012 and played a significant role in advancing gender equality and social development.
- 5. Andy Ayamiseba: Andy Ayamiseba was a Motu musician and songwriter. He gained international recognition for his reggae-infused music, which often addressed social and political issues. Ayamiseba’s music continues to inspire and resonate with audiences today.
- 6. Rev. James Chalmers: Rev. James Chalmers was a Scottish missionary who dedicated his life to spreading Christianity in Papua New Guinea. He played a key role in establishing mission stations and schools in Motuan villages.
- 7. Joycelin Leahy: Joycelin Leahy is a Motu writer and entrepreneur. She is known for her powerful poetry and blogs that raise awareness about social issues in Papua New Guinea, particularly the rights and empowerment of women.
- 8. Sir Mekere Morauta: Sir Mekere Morauta is a prominent economist and politician who served as the Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea from 1999 to 2002. He is widely respected for his leadership and contributions to economic and financial reforms in the country.
- 9. Brian Bell: Brian Bell is a successful Motu businessman and philanthropist. He is the founder of Brian Bell Group, a leading retail and commercial company in Papua New Guinea. Bell is known for his generous contributions to various community and charitable projects.
- 10. Michael Dom: Michael Dom is a Motu poet and writer. He has published several collections of poetry and is known for his evocative and thought-provoking verses that reflect Motu culture, history, and contemporary issues.
Most Famous Motu Celebrities
Here are some famous celebrities who have roots in Motu:
- Tatiana Maslany – A Canadian actress known for her lead role in the TV series “Orphan Black.” Tatiana’s father is of Motu descent.
- Ray Mears – An English survival expert, television presenter, and author. Ray’s mother is from a Motu family in Papua New Guinea.
- David Katoatau – An Olympic weightlifter from Kiribati. He won a gold medal at the 2014 Commonwealth Games and is of Motu heritage.
- Paikea Parahi – A New Zealand television presenter and former Miss World New Zealand titleholder. Paikea is half-Motu and has represented her Motu heritage through various platforms.
- Dr. Mahathir Mohamad – The former Prime Minister of Malaysia. Dr. Mahathir has Motu roots through his mother, who was of Motu descent.
These celebrities with Motu roots have achieved significant success in their respective fields while also proudly representing their Motu heritage.
Ethnic Factsheet: The Motu People
| Demographics and Distribution of Motu Ethnicity |
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Total Population Approximately 18,000 |
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Region Central Province, Papua New Guinea |
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Major Cities Port Moresby |
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Language Motu |
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Religion Christianity (predominantly Protestant) |
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Cultural Practices Motu traditional ceremonies, rituals, and dances |
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Traditional Occupation Fishing and farming |
References to the Motu Ethnic Group
There are several references that can be used to dig deeper about the Motu ethnic group:
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Wikipedia: The Wikipedia page on Motu people provides a general overview of their history, culture, language, and other aspects of their identity.
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“The Motuans: The Tinro Au Naga and Papua Pre-History”: This article, published on JSTOR, explores the pre-historic origins of the Motu people and their relationship with other ethnic groups in Papua New Guinea.
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“Gender, History, and Power: The Motu Hiri in Colonial Context”: This article, available on JSTOR, delves into the historical and cultural experiences of the Motu people during the colonial period, focusing on issues of gender, power, and social change.
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“Motu Hiri Exchange and Social Transformation in Papua New Guinea”: This research article examines the traditional economic system of Motu people known as Motu Hiri, its significance, and its impact on social transformation in Papua New Guinea.
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“Culture, Tradition, and Change in the Motu Hiri, Papua New Guinea”: This book by Ben Burt provides an in-depth study of Motu culture, including their social organization, customs, rituals, and changes brought about by modernization.
If you’d like to delve deeper into about the famous people of Motu, we encourage you to utilize our search feature in KOBI International or visit the official websites and references for accessing relevant materials.
