In more recent times, elections have been a trigger for violence, with tribes aligned down local candidate and party lines.
While bow and arrows have been the staple weapon for centuries, the recent introduction of automatic firearms have led to more tragic outcomes.
Copper mines discovered on Bougainville Island became a major source of revenue for Papua New Guinea.
[6] In the Trobriand Islands, intertribal warfare was banned during Australian colonial rule and disputes were settled with games of cricket and this often continued after independence.
[11] In urban areas such as the capital Port Moresby ethnic conflict has included violence between gangs known as Raskols that are associated with different tribes.