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Kabila
Dancers of the Tolai people , Malakuna near the town of Rabaul, Gazelle Peninsula of New Britain, Papua New Guinea. c 1918. Private photograph printed on Kodak Austral stock.

Tolai

Indigenous people of the Gazelle Peninsula and Duke of York Islands, Papua New Guinea

Photo: Photographer: unidentified Australian naval serviceman, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

The Tolai are the indigenous people of the Gazelle Peninsula and the Duke of York Islands in East New Britain, Papua New Guinea. Most Tolai speak Kuanua, with smaller groups speaking Lungalunga and Bilur. They are known for their matrilineal society, Christian faith, and the persistence of traditional beliefs.

Who are the Tolai?

The Tolai are an indigenous people living mainly on the Gazelle Peninsula and the Duke of York Islands in East New Britain, Papua New Guinea. They share close kinship ties with neighboring groups in New Ireland and with the Tanga people. The Tolai community is organized into two moieties, or social divisions, with membership passed down through the mother’s line. Their identity is shaped by shared language, customs, and a blend of Christian and traditional beliefs.

Where do the Tolai live?

The Tolai homeland includes the fertile Gazelle Peninsula and the Duke of York Islands, both in East New Britain province. This region is known for its volcanic soils and coastal landscapes, supporting both farming and fishing. The Tolai migrated here from nearby islands, displacing the Baining people, and have since established deep roots in the area.

What language do the Tolai speak?

Most Tolai speak Kuanua as their first language, with an estimated 100,000 speakers. Two smaller languages, Lungalunga and Bilur, are also spoken by about 2,000 people each. These languages are central to Tolai identity and daily life, though the sources do not specify their language family.

How is Tolai society organised?

Tolai society is divided into two moieties, with membership determined by matrilineal descent—inheritance and social identity pass through the mother’s line. This dual structure shapes marriage, alliances, and community responsibilities. Social organization also includes secret societies, such as the Duk-Duk, which play a role in rituals and maintaining traditional customs.

What do the Tolai believe?

Christianity is central to Tolai life, with most people identifying as Roman Catholic or United Church members. However, traditional beliefs remain important, especially the secret ceremonies of the Duk-Duk society and the veneration of female spirits called Tubuans. Belief in sorcery for love or punishment also persists alongside Christian practices.

The history of the Tolai

The Tolai are believed to have migrated to the Gazelle Peninsula in recent times, displacing the Baining people. In 1875, Fijian Methodist missionaries brought Christianity to the region. A violent incident in 1878, when some Tolai killed and ate four missionaries, led to a punitive expedition by George Brown, resulting in deaths and the burning of villages. In 2007, Tolai descendants publicly apologized for this event. Despite over a century of Christian influence, many traditional practices and beliefs endure.

Tolai life today

Today, the Tolai remain a prominent group in East New Britain, with a population of over 100,000. They are active in regional and national affairs. While Christianity is widespread, traditional customs and secret societies continue to play a role in community life. The Tolai have publicly addressed their complex history and maintain a strong sense of identity.

Questions people ask about the Tolai

Where do the Tolai live?

The Tolai live in Papua New Guinea, in the Gazelle Peninsula and Duke of York Islands, East New Britain.

How many Tolai people are there?

Our sources give the Tolai population as about 100,000 Kuanua speakers; 2,000 each for Lungalunga and Bilur speakers. Counts of peoples vary with who is counted and when.

What language do the Tolai speak?

The Tolai speak Kuanua, Lungalunga, Bilur.

Sources and further reading

This page was written with AI assistance from the sources above and checked automatically before publishing. It may contain mistakes, and it is no substitute for hearing from the Tolai themselves. If something is wrong, tell us. Last refreshed 2026-10-02.

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