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This paper explores the interplay between gender and barkcloth, or tapa, among the Maisin people living along the shores of Collingwood Bay in Papua New Guinea. Tapa features in Maisin economic, political, social, and spiritual life as an object of wealth that is both alienable and inalienable. It constitutes beliefs and values about gender relations and identity, mediating relations between the individual and the social. At the same time, tapa connects the living with the ancestors, God, and the church. In short, tapa is intertwined with all aspects of Maisin life. While in earlier publications I have detailed the gendered manufacturing and use of tapa in various settings, in this paper I bring this work together, highlighting how barkcloth is not just a gendered object, but crucial in creating gendered embodiments and performances, and, as such, experiences of gender identity.

This paper addresses how Christianity, and in particular Catholicism, is deployed in response to gender-based violence (GBV) in Papua New Guinea. It provides insights into the various ways the Catholic community. Church, and its clergy respond to and manage GBV. Focusing on a case study in the Autonomous Region of Bougainville in Papua New Guinea, the article reveals how Gender Equality Theology is used and received to address GBV in this region. What transpires is that despite supporting social change, Gender Equality Theology also advocates a particular status quo by essentialising gender relations, and thereby excluding non-binary gender identifications and relations. The article will discuss this paradox, highlighting the importance of vernacularisation and how despite its conservatism. Gender Equality Theology provides victims, survivors, counselors, and activists with resources to respond to GBV and change gender inequality in the region. Keywords: Christianity, Catholicism, gender-based violence, gender equality, Papua New Guinea, Autonomous Region of Bougainville., INTRODUCTION In his 'Letter to Women', Pope John Paul II (1995) acknowledges that throughout history, women have been excluded, ignored, underestimated, mistreated, and violated. Significantly. he refers to history and [...]

The article discusses the documentary film "OPHIR: Decolonise. Revolutionise." which tells the story of Bougainville, an island in the Pacific, and its struggle for sovereignty and the preservation of ancestral lands. The film explores the impact of colonization and the exploitation of natural resources on the island, particularly through the Panguna copper mine. It also highlights the enduring effects of the conflict and the ongoing tensions surrounding the reopening of the mine. The documentary provides an intimate view of Bougainville's history and culture, emphasizing the power of faith and the quest for justice and freedom. [Extracted from the article]

The Australian Journal of Anthropology has released a double special issue titled "Epistemic attunements," which marks a transition between two editorial teams. The issue explores new forms of scholarly presentations and expands on the limitations of traditional journal articles. The articles in this issue showcase diverse ways of knowing and sensing through creative uses of text, image, and sound. The journal also invites submissions focusing on ethnographic research in Australia, the Pacific, and Asian regions, especially from First Nations authors and scholars. They are also open to multi-modal and intermedial contributions and will continue to publish reviews of books, films, performances, and exhibitions. The journal now offers Free Format submission to simplify the submission process. Future issues will include a special issue on tourism in Timor-Leste and new sections featuring debates, interviews, commentaries, and comics. [Extracted from the article]