The Kaiwai are sometimes known as the Koiwai, Kuiwai, Aiduma, Kaymerah, Kajumerah, Adi, Namatota, or Namatote people. They speak Kowiai at home.
Historically when the Kaiwai area was ruled by a king the king's spit was used to "water" the garden because it was alleged to have the power to keep pigs and birds away. They also sold Nanesa and Mairasi people to slave traders who came. The Kaiwai are reported to have come from Maluku in the mid-1800s and intermarried with Papuans.
Nutmeg and seashells are readily available in the area because the Kaiwai people are coastal and island-dwellers. At an altitude of less than 100 meters above sea level the people can best be accessed by boat.
For marriage celebrations, those invited by the groom's side are to bring something for the wedding. Burial happens within 24 hrs of death after the body is washed by members of the same gender. Burial can turn out to be quite expensive.
The main staple of the Kaiwai people is fish and coconuts, but they also eat game. They wear modern clothing, although the sarong is sometimes still worn. Within the typical Kaiwai home there is a front room and bedrooms only because a structure apart from the home is built for the kitchen. The Kaiwai people have machetes, boat motors, and spear guns, among other tools.
About two thirds are Muslim, but they have a strong Christian minority.
The Kaiwai people have no gospel films or videos in their language. All they have are Bible portions.
Pray for Kaiwai elders and family leaders to open the door to evangelism and discipleship.
Pray for Kaiwai disciples who are zealous to spread the fragrance of Christ to their community and to others.
Pray that traditional barriers to the gospel would be broken down.
Pray for the Holy Spirit to bless Kaiwai families with the realization that they need a sin-free Savior who offers abundant life.
Scripture Prayers for the Kaiwai, Adi in Indonesia.
GMI Papua
| Profile Source: Joshua Project |
