Mythologies of the Mee Tribe

The Mee (also Bunani Mee, Ekari, Ekagi, Kapauku, Tapiro) are a people in the Paniai Lakes area of Central Papua, Indonesia. They speak the Ekagi language. According to the oral history of the Mee, their ancestor came from a place east of the Baliem Valley, called Pupupapa or Pagimo Peku ("large cave"). The Mee have formed trading relationships with their surrounding tribes, like the Moni and Kamoro, using traditional money called mege (cowrie shells). They were first discovered by European explorers during the 1909–1911 expedition by British Ornithologists' Union. Through the southern route from the Kamoro's region, they explored Mount Tapiro in Deiyai and found a group of inland people, because of their shorter-than-average height, they were called Tapiro pygmies. Later in 1934, the Dutch pilot Frits Wissel came across three large lakes, the Paniai, Tigi, and Tage, where there were numerous human settlements and activities. The Mee then were called the Ekari (exonym from the Moni) or Kapauku (exonym from the Kamoro), though they preferred to be called by the name Mee, shortened from Makado Mee ("true human"). In the 1970s, an investigation was conducted by Indonesian physicians concerned about the high rates of Ekari people hospitalized for burns. The study revealed many Ekari people were suffering from neurocysticercosis, caused by the pork tapeworm, Taenia solium, which had been previously unseen in Papua New Guinea. As a result, many had been suffering seizures while near fires, injuring themselves in the process. Pigs infected with the tapeworms had been introduced to the island previously by the Indonesian unknowingly. Though based on modern genetic study, tapeworms in Papua are the oldest among Indonesian haplotypes. They diverged from lineages in Bali at minimum 25,000 years BP, hence unlikely to be recent introduction.

The Mee tribe is also unique in its language style because it has many clans. In addition, the regions are also different. The language style used by these clans is also different. The eastern language is called Koha, while the western part uses Koya. Although different, the language dialect can still be understood by the Moni Tribe. In the past, the clan traveled long distances due to inter-clan warfare. To defend the clan, some people from the Moni tribe fled their home village and settled in Paniai. They then became part of the Mee Tribe. However, they still maintain the original clan in the area they live in. In the past, the Moni and Mee tribes fought tribal wars to defend their territories and indigenous communities. From the tribal war, many victims fell from both sides. The impact was very detrimental.

The Mee Tribe, on the other hand, has a unique linguistic feature, as each of its clans speaks different languages. In the eastern region, the language is called Koha, while the western region uses Koya. Despite these differences, the Moni Tribe can understand both dialects. However, the Mee Tribe struggles to comprehend the Moni language, which makes them cautious when communicating in public. Historically, the Moni and Mee tribes engaged in tribal warfare to defend their territories and communities. These conflicts caused casualties on both sides and left a significant impact. According to legends passed down through generations, the tribes eventually made a peace agreement to end the disputes. They resolved territorial issues traditionally, dividing mountains and rivers between the two tribes. The Moni Tribe retained the right to areas they passed through, with the agreement that they would avoid causing harm in those regions. In their communal lives, both tribes have tribal chiefs who lead their communities. A chief is chosen based on their nurturing spirit, leadership skills, and wealth, including pigs and extensive land ownership. Chiefs are also expected to resolve conflicts and disputes effectively. While the tribes have different cultures, languages, and traditions, they maintain close kinship ties through mutual respect and collaboration, particularly in decision-making processes that affect public interests.

Mee Tribe is one of Papua Province’s tribes and they live mostly on the highlands. For the information, tourists can easily meet them around Tigi, Tage, and Paniai Lake. Some of them also reside in Kamu Valley and Mapisa Mountains. In terms of appearance, the men indeed wear Koteka as their daily attire. In fact, they look almost naked! Some of them also wear a unique headgear, made of local birds’ feathers. Their favorite weapon is an arrow, as they often use it for hunting. Some tourists are interested to visit Deiyai Regency for its natural attractions, especially to visit the famous Tigi Lake. Aside from that, the region offers interesting local traditions as well. For instance, there is Meepago Culture. It belongs to Mee Tribe and offers distinct allures to visitors. Despite the acculturation, the tribe remains exist these days. As the name suggests, tourists can meet these people in Meepago rural area. Have no worries. They can simply get help from a local guide to show the best places to meet the villagers later. As for culture, tourists can learn and enjoy local traditional songs, customs, arts, etc. So, what can tourists enjoy from Meepago Culture? The most favorite allure is architecture. Visitors can see the local building and constructions that represent Mee Tribe’s norms, values, and customs. At a glance, it represents symbolism, as well. While exploring the rural area, in this case, tourists should not forget to collect some photos! Have no worries. The locals would allow outsiders or tourists to take photos in their place. The next thing to enjoy is related to the local arts, especially carvings. These people often carve on some objects like koteka, noken anggrek, etc. Perhaps, tourists’ most favorite object is Amapa Kagamapa, a kind of bracelet. For lucky tourists, they can even get one as a souvenir! Next, Mee people also cut some trees in order to create a unique boat! During the process, tourists are allowed to watch and make documentation of it, in fact. For the information, these people only cut several species of trees in order to create the boat. These include tipa, amo, and onage. What about the boat? They use to for fishing in Tigi Lake!