Traditional Bridges of Papua New Guinea

At a glance..

The aim of this book is to create a greater awareness of the important continuing role that indigenous technology has in the society's development.It is s geared to record the technologies which are in danger of being lost, establish a forum for addressing the issue of traditional technology preservation and transfer, and encourage the development of techniques which combine the old ways with new technology to meet people's basic needs while maintaining cultural integrity.

The details..

Traditional Bridges of Papua New Guinea is a tribute to the PNG people's cultural ingenuity. The book showcases countless technologies that evolved under differing conditions but share basic common features: utilizing local materials, exerting minimal impact on the environment, and reflecting community life. It highlights how these technologies provide a basis for further technological development and assimilation.

The introduction of foreign technologies has diminished traditional tools' importance in modernizing society. Cash cropping for export and economic opportunities in urban areas have resulted in fewer villagers available to carry on with community-based technological innovation. Consequently, new indigenous technological development has slowed considerably as older craftspeople are less inclined to maintain practically based traditions.

Present-day students consider old tools and techniques quaint but obsolete; yet few can relate new foreign technology to basic village needs. These changes affect PNG people creating a growing sense of alienation from both traditional and new technology resulting in malnutrition rates soaring up 60% within four generations due directly related changing agricultural techniques & diets.

To create greater awareness about continuing role that indigenous technology plays in society's development, Appropriate Technology Development Institute established this Traditional Technology Series geared towards recording technolo-gies which are at risk being lost while establishing forums for addressing issues surrounding preservation & transferal whilst encouraging combining old ways with new techs meeting peoples' basic needs white maintaining cultural integrity.