DKH01-069_yomgong - Yomgoŋ ‘Fresh water turtle’

This string figure represents a freshwater turtle Elseya schultzei, commonly known as Schultze's snapping turtle, a species endemic to northern New Guinea. Turtles are highly appreciated for their meat, and are usually given to children (or to parents for their children). Their shells are never preserved: a live turtle is put on the fire, and when the shell is burnt enough, it is easier to break it to get to the meat. Turtles also appear in Awiakay myths, usually in connection with water spirits. Image: 02: yomgoŋ ‘freshwater turtle’ (Elseya schultzei) . Language as given: Awiakay