The Murik people are an indigenous group inhabiting the Murik Lakes region along the north coast of Papua New Guinea, specifically in the East Sepik Province. They live in a chain of saltwater estuaries known as the Murik Lakes, situated about ten miles west of the Sepik River's mouth. The Murik are known for their distinctive art, including wood carvings and twill-plaited bags, which are traded throughout the region and to tourists. The Murik Lakes region is a coastal area characterized by mangrove lakes, swamps, and sandy beaches. The villages are situated on narrow sandbanks separating the lakes from the open ocean. The climate is humid, with a wet season (November to May) bringing strong winds, thunderstorms, and heavy rainfall. The Murik are known for their elaborate men's cult houses, which feature intricately carved house posts adorned with images of ancestors and spirits. Traditional Murik art includes wood carvings of human figures and twill-plaited bags, which are traded widely. There is a strong emphasis on community and family bonds, with a division of labor between men and women. Initiation rituals, such as the Barg Gar and Samban Gar ceremonies, play a significant role in Murik culture.

Mask
carved wood
circa 1800 CE
Murik people
Murik Lakes area
Papua New Guinea

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