This is just about the strangest insect I've come across yet here.  It was about the size of a finger, but looks like it could hold it's own in battle.   

Kaikai, Kaukau, and other things you'll find at a Mumu

We always enjoy having a Mumu made for our students during each program at Interface (www.ntm.org/interface) .  It's a great way for them to experience a huge part of the Papua New Guinea (PNG) culture (a Mumu is a meal cooked for celebrations or special occasions, and works like a big underground steamcooker), and see how their taste buds (and stomaches) do with food cooked in dirt and banana leaves. :)  'Kaukau' (sweet potato) is the main food staple of the Highlands and a mumu is always filled with all different kinds.  'Kaikai' just means 'food'...and in a Mumu this could be anything from kaukau and cabbage, to lamb flaps (the cheapest form of meat in PNG), ferns and pumpkin leaves.

While waiting for the Mumu to cook I spent some time with Janet who decided to wear the bag I'm making as a hat.  I love their sense of humor!