Sepik

The Sepik refers to the Sepik River and its extensive river basin in northern Papua New Guinea, a major river system of the island of New Guinea. The river basin is noted for its large floodplain, biodiverse wetland environments, and rich riverine cultures.

Key features include meandering river channels, seasonally inundated floodplains, and dense riparian vegetation supporting fish, birds and other wildlife. The basin is dotted with villages where local communities maintain long-standing artistic traditions, including carved spirit houses and ceremonial masks.

Human settlement along the Sepik dates back many centuries and the river has long been central to transport, food production and cultural life for multiple linguistic and social groups. The riverine cultures have distinctive art styles and social practices tied to the river environment.

Geographically the river flows from the New Guinea central highlands northward to the Bismarck Sea, traversing East Sepik Province and emptying near the town of Wewak; the surrounding landscape is largely lowland floodplain and swamp forest with seasonal variation in water levels.

• Length: The Sepik River is one of New Guinea's longest rivers, running roughly 1,100 kilometres from the central highlands to the Bismarck Sea.
• Culture and landscape: The river basin supports dense seasonal floodplains, swamp forests and numerous riverine villages renowned for woodcarving and ceremonial houses.