Telefomin is a station town on the border of Sandaun and Western Provinces in Papua New Guinea. The town started during the Second World War after Mick Leahy was assigned to engineer an airstrip in 1944 for the United States for use against the Imperial Japanese Army forces based in New Guinea.

Telefomin
An image of Telefomin from space, the Sepik river can be seen, only a short distance from its source.
An image of Telefomin from space, the Sepik river can be seen, only a short distance from its source.
Telefomin is located in Sandaun Province
Telefomin
Telefomin
Location within Sandaun Province
Coordinates: 5°07′30″S 141°38′30″E / 5.12500°S 141.64167°E / -5.12500; 141.64167
CountryPapua New Guinea
ProvinceSandaun Province (West Sepik)
Time zoneUTC 10 (AEST)
Location
ClimateAf

The Sepik River runs west–east south of the town. The Baptist Mission of Telefomin contains a notable museum and fossils that have been found in the area.[1]

The Telefomin peoples traditionally have carved designs onto tall boards for the entrances of their houses.[2]

In 1953 two Australian patrol officers and four police were killed by tribesman in the Telefomin Incident.

References

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  1. ^ Stanley, David; Dalton, Bill (1983). South Pacific handbook Moon Handbooks South Pacific. David Stanley. p. 403. ISBN 0-9603322-3-5. Telefomin.
  2. ^ "Oceanic Art and Architecture". Encyclopædia Britannica. Retrieved July 10, 2010.