Haus Lain

Haus Lain is a Tok Pisin term which can refers to a community or village in Papua New Guinea. Growing up in Goroka, haus lain was the village where many of my friends lived and went to school. In Port Moresby, the meaning of haus lain shifts—it simply refers to the people in your household.

In this piece, I’ve illustrated four haus kunai (traditional grass huts), nestled among mountains and greenery—symbolising the four regions of PNG. The number four appears consistently in my work as a symbol of unity and balance in our shared history. Each haus kunai represents not just place, but identity, belonging, and origin—the humble beginnings of many great Papua New Guineans.

When collecting stories for my art, I’ve found that many begin in haus kunais. They are places of safety, mystery, and memory—witnesses to traditions, ceremonies, and everyday life. The fresh colours in this piece reflect the diversity of stories and belief systems across our regions. It’s a reminder of how much there is to learn, and how art can be a bridge between those stories and the present.

These four huts, resting at the foot of the mountains, may seem humble—but they hold immense power.

Dimensions:
61cm (h) x 153cm (w)

Medium:
Posca pen and acrylic on linen canvas.