Paper short abstract:

This paper contrasts local and state perspectives on death and dying in PNG. Despite their use, state enumeration and death certificates have little currency for most PNG citizens. Instead, the focus at local level is on continuing relationships with the deceased spirit in whatever form they take.

Paper long abstract:

This paper examines contrasting local and state perspectives on death and dying in PNG. In recent decades particular forms of death in PNG have gained national and international attention. Maternal mortality, infant mortality, and deaths due to HIV or TB, for example, are recorded and enumerated, with rates calculated and debated. These are critical in positioning the PNG state with respect to other nations, and for garnering international health programs and donor support. Other deaths, like those associated with sorcery and accusations, have been the subject of intense national public concern, and have been met with state-wide responses including repealing sorcery laws, re-introducing the death penalty and national protest movements.

These state level responses to the politics of death seem far removed from responses at the local level to the deaths of intimate kin. Many of these deaths occur without a formal 'medical' diagnosis, occur outside of medical establishments, and autopsies are rare. State enumeration and formal death certificates which suggest a clear shift of state from living to dead have little currency for most PNG citizens. Instead, the focus at local level is on the continuing relationship with the deceased spirit in whatever form they take.