YosPan & Other Papuan Delights

In keeping with the Indonesian tendency to create 'singkatan*', Yospan is actually short for Yosim  Pancak.  Literally translated:  Drumming Dancing.  They really get right to the point when they name things around here.

Yospan is my favourite local custom… and of course, most people get a real kick out of it when I join in!  It's a little hard to describe, and much more fun than it sounds!  Basically, you grab a partner and form two lines... the 'leaders' do a series of 'steps' while constantly moving ahead and going in a big circle, and the rest of the participants copy the step... Honestly, it's much more fun than it sounds... and a pretty good workout, too!

This is one of the most fun Yospan's I've participated in...  put on for the Kalabia by participants in Warsambin village.



















And here also, a group of children performing a Yospan in Sawinggrai village.















Below is a video of my introduction to Yospan and Papuan music and people (including the late pak Leo on guitar) back in 2006!  It was a rather tight area, but what fun!  - OOPS... sorry, looks like the video isn't working.

I have discovered a new Papuan treat (yes, Bro, I know... "enough with the food already"!):  Sinoli!  I was asked to be a judge at a traditional food competition at the Raja Ampat Jambore in February, and was delighted at so many new tastes!  Sinoli was the winner, hands-down, for me!  A mixture of sago palm flour and coconut with just a little red palm sugar, it's the perfect replacement for GORP (Good 'Ole Raisins n Peanuts).  I know, all tree-planters out there are going... "as if there could ever be a replacement for GORP!"  (sorry no pictures.. I just got my camera back finally!!!)

* Singkatan - means the 'shortening-up'/abbreviating of numerous words; slightly different from an acronym where the first letter of each word is used to form a new word (ie. SCUBA - self-contained underwater breathing apparatus).  There are numerous examples of 'singkatan' in Indonesian... my favourite has to be:  Jumpa Berlian (Jumat Pagi Bersihkan Lingkungan Bersamaan)!