Papuan Collection (#3)

Mangrove swamp. Shoal of yellowfin goatfish (Mulloidichthys vanicolensis) swimming through mangrove (Rhizophora sp.) trees in a swamp on the edge of a coral reef

Fan worms. Close-up of the tentacled heads of a colony of Sabellastarte sp. fan worms. These polychaete tube worms live in tubes using their tentacles to catch food particles as they float by

Corals in a mangrove swamp. Soft corals growing amongst mangrove (Rhizophora sp.) trees in a swamp on the edge of a coral reef. Photographed off Raja Ampat, West Papua, Indonesia

Bleached Montipora undata coral on a reef. Coral bleaching results when the symbiotic zooxanthellae (single-celled algae) are released from the original host coral organism due to stress

Hairy squat lobster on a sponge
Hairy squat lobster (Lauriea siagiani) on a sponge. Photographed off Raja Ampat, West Papua, Indonesia

Meyers butterflyfish on a reef
Meyers butterflyfish (Chaetodon meyeri) on a reef. Photographed off Raja Ampat, West Papua, Indonesia

Allied cowrie on a reef
Allied cowrie (Ovula ovum) on a reef. Cowries are sea snails that cover their shell with a mantle, which is coloured and textured to match the host organism

Eurycantha stick insect (Eurycantha horrida). This specimen is from Papua New Guinea

Eurycantha stick insect head
Eurycantha stick insect (Eurycantha horrida), close-up of the head. This specimen is from Papua New Guinea

Soft coral and sea squirts

Giant clam on the sea bed
Giant clam (Tridacna Tridacna gigas) on the sea bed. Photographed in the Andaman Sea, Thailand

Giant clam mantle. Close-up of the mantle of a giant clam (Tridacna Tridacna gigas). The bright colours in the mantle come from symbiotic zooxanthellae (protozoa) in the tissue

Giant barrel sponge (Xestopongia testudinaria, centre) on a coral reef. Photographed off Misool, Raja Ampat, West Papua, Indonesia

Sponge on coral. Sponge (red) attached to black coral (order Antipatharia, white). Photographed oof Misool, Raja Ampat, West Papua, Indonesia

Red seastar and seasquirts
Red seastar (Fromia milleporella) amongst seasquirts (Atriolum robustum) on a reef. Photographed off Misool, Raja Ampat, West Papua, Indonesia

Cushion seastar. Close-up of the underside of a cushion starfish (Culcita novaeguineae). Photographed off Misool, Raja Ampat, West Papua, Indonesia

Elegant seastar on a reef
Elegant seastar(Fromia nodosa) amongst corals on a reef. Photographed off Misool, Raja Ampat, West Papua, Indonesia

Orange-banded coralfish feeding
Orange-banded coralfish (Coradion chrysozonus) feeding on gorgonian coral polyps. Photographed in Misool, Raja Empat, West Papua, Indonesia

Black-tail dascyllus (Dascyllus melanurus) amongst blue coral (Heliopora coerulea). Photographed in Misool, Raja Empat, West Papua, Indonesia

Banded toadfish (Halophryne diemensis) on a coral reef. This bottom-dwelling predatory fish conceals itself on sand on the seafloor where it lies in wait to ambush its prey

Granulated seastar (Choriaster granulatus) amongst corals on a reef. This starfish is found on coral reefs and sandy bottoms throughout the tropical Indo-Pacific region

Red seastar (Fromia milleporella) amongst corals on a reef. Photographed off Misool, Raja Ampat, West Papua, Indonesia

Eastern triangle butterflyfish feeding
Eastern triangle butterflyfish (Chaetodon baronessa) feeding on coral polyps. Photographed in Misool, Raja Empat, West Papua, Indonesia

Saddled butterflyfish on a reef
Saddled butterflyfish (Chaetodon ephippium) on a reef. Photographed in Misool, Raja Empat, West Papua, Indonesia

Clown anemonefish (Amphiprion percula) in a blue variety of giant carpet anemone (Stichodactyla gigantea). Photographed in Papua New Guinea, Indonesia

Damaged blue coral. Close-up of blue coral (Heliopora coerulea) that has been broken by bumphead parrotfish (Bolbometopon muricatum) who feed on live corals as well as encrusting algae

Luzon starfish and scorpionfish. Small scorpionfish (family Scorpaenidae) lying on a luzon starfish (Echinaster luzonicus), at night on a coral reef. Misool, Raja Ampat, West Papua, Indonesia

Acropora plate coral polyps. Close-up of polyps from an Acropora humilis coral colony. Photographed in Misool, Raja Ampat, West Papua, Indonesia

Brain coral. Close-up of the convoluted ridged surface of a brain coral (family Faviidae) colony. Photographed in Misool, Raja Ampat, West Papua, Indonesia

Fusilier and cleaner wrasse. Twinstripe fusilier (Pterocaesio marri) with a bluestreak cleaner wrasse (Labroides dimidiatus) cleaning the inside of its mouth

Giant clam. Close-up of the mantle of a giant clam (Tridacna Tridacna gigas). Photographed off Misool, Raja Ampat, West Papua, Indonesia

Tropical reef. Panda butterflyfish (Chaetodon adiergastos) with barrel sponges on a coral reef near a jetty (top). Photographed off Misool, Raja Ampat, West Papua, Indonesia

Giant moray eel (Gymnothorax javanicus) with a bluestreak cleaner wrasse (Labroides dimidiatus). Giant morays are the largest of the moray eels and are widespread throughout the Indo-Pacific region

Blue-knee hermit crab (Dardanus guttatus). Photographed in Misool, Raja Ampat, West Papua, Indonesia

Acropora plate coral. Underside of a large Acropora sp. coral colony. Photographed in Triton Bay, West Papua, Indonesia

Prehistoric rock art, Indonesia
Prehistoric rock art. These paintings are thought to be between 3-5000 years old and feature dolphins, fish, whales, dugong (manatees), hands, abstract figures

Soft corals. Brightly coloured soft corals growing on a current-swept boulder. Photographed in Triton Bay, West Papua, Indonesia

Snappers. School of snapper (family Lutjanidae) fish swimming between boulders covered in black coral. Photographed in Triton Bay, West Papua, Indonesia

Juvenile golden damselfish (Amblyglyphidodon aureus, centre) by a gorgonian sea fan (left) on a coral reef. This species of damselfish inhabits reefs in the tropical Indo-Pacific region

Tropical reef, Indonesia
Tropical reef. Diverse community of soft corals, Tubastrea sp. hard corals, hydroids and feather stars growing on a boulder. Photographed in Triton Bay, West Papua, Indonesia

Sun coral. Colony of sun coral (Tubastrea sp.) polyps growing on a current-swept rocky sea bed. Photographed in Triton Bay, West Papua, Indonesia

Fusiliers over a reef. School of fusilier (family Caesionidae) fish swimming over coral. Photographed in Triton Bay, West Papua, Indonesia

Papuan natives, 1800s
Group of Koyari chiefs and their families, southeast New Guinea, 1800s. Hand-colored engraving reproduction of a 19th-century photograph

Papua New Guinea - Hanuabada Village

Papua New Guinea - Ekiti Village, Sogeri - Tree House
A fantastic treehouse at Ekiti Village, Sogeri, Papua New Guinea

Native Dancers at Port Moresby - Papua New Guinea
Native Dancers dancing amongst the breadfruit at Port Moresby - Papua New Guinea

Port Moresby from Paga Hill - Papua New Guinea

Papua New Guinea - Elevara Mission
Papua New Guinea - Elevara Village viewed from the L.M.S. Mission. The London Missionary Society was a non-denominational missionary society formed in England in 1795 by evangelical Anglicans

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"Papuan: Exploring the Rich Cultural Tapestry of Papua New Guinea" Immerse yourself in the captivating world culture, nestled within the vibrant landscapes of Papua New Guinea. This native village is a testament to the resilience and traditions that have thrived for centuries. Step into history as you visit Elevara Mission and L. M. S Mission, where echoes of past encounters between European missionaries and indigenous communities can still be felt. Discover the profound influence these interactions had on shaping Papuan society. Marvel at the intricate craftsmanship displayed by the Elema people through their mesmerizing Eharo Masks. These sacred artifacts not only serve as stunning adornments but also hold deep spiritual significance within their cultural practices. Witnessing The Different Human Races, from Natural History of the Animal Kingdom, one cannot help but appreciate the remarkable diversity found among humanity. The engravings beautifully depict various ethnic groups including Papuans, showcasing their unique physical features and distinct identities. Delve into Papuan adornment, where elaborate jewelry and body art are celebrated forms of self-expression. From intricately carved ornaments to vibrant tattoos adorning their bodies, every piece tells a story woven with pride and heritage. Feel your heart race as you witness a powerful Papuan war dance depicted in an engraving. This ancient tradition embodies strength, unity, and ancestral connections that continue to resonate with present-day communities. Explore how this rich culture has spread across vast territories by examining a World map of Geographical Distribution. Witness how Papuans have left an indelible mark on diverse corners of our planet through migration and cultural exchanges. Nature enthusiasts will be captivated by sightings such as Buffy fish owl and Papuan frogmouth perched gracefully amidst lush rainforests. Blyths hornbill adds its majestic presence while sharing its habitat with other fascinating species like Rhyticeros plicatus - truly highlighting Papua's biodiversity wonders.