The Court Project

Dark skin. Bright blonde hair. And not a drop of European blood behind it.

For years the whole world assumed these kids got their blonde hair from European visitors. Even scientists believed it, until one researcher saw a photo of a blonde Melanesian child and refused to accept the easy answer.

In 2012, a study in Science magazine proved everyone wrong. Their blonde comes from a gene mutation that is completely their own, found nowhere else on the planet. It didn't come from Europe. It was born right there in the Pacific.

It shows up in about 1 in 4 people on the islands and exists in no other population on Earth.

Two parts of the world. Same color. Two completely separate paths, both written by nature.

Some beauty isn't inherited from anyone. It's created from scratch.

Koipa Culture Group Seeks Support to Preserve Local Culture.

Sumbiripa Floriculture & Beautification, a locally owned organization in Koipa Village established the Koipa Culture Group in February 2024 to help preserve and promote local culture and traditions.

The group brings together mothers, young women and girls to learn and produce traditional tapa designs, necklaces and other cultural crafts. Through these activities, the group aims to pass cultural knowledge and skills on to future generations.

Since its establishment, the group has received strong support from the local community. However, there is a need for assistance from government agencies and development partners to expand the program and involve more women and youths.

Sumbiripa Floriculture & Beautification is calling on relevant government authorities and stakeholders to support this initiative so that the culture and traditions of the people of Koipa can be preserved and strengthened for future generations.

For further information:

Sumbiripa Floriculture & Beautification
Koipa Village, Higaturu LLG
Sohe District, Northern Province
Papua New Guinea
Ph: +675 7042 6497