As Papua New Guinea approaches 50 years of independence, its iconic flag—a bold diagonal divide of red and black, adorned with a golden bird of paradise and the Southern Cross—flies as a powerful symbol of unity. Yet the story of its designer, Susan Karike, remains a poignant lesson in national memory and gratitude.
In 1971, as PNG prepared for independence, a 15-year-old schoolgirl from Gulf Province sketched a vision that would define a nation. Susan Karike, encouraged by her art teacher at Yule Island’s Catholic Mission School, drew her design on a torn exercise book page. Rejecting a sterile proposal by an Australian artist, she chose resonant colors: red and black (reflecting traditional pigments used in ceremonies), with gold for the Raggiana bird-of-paradise—PNG’s national emblem—and white stars for the Southern Cross.
Her design was simple yet profound:
- Red field: Holding the golden bird, symbolizing unity amid diversity
- Black field: Emblazoned with the Southern Cross, anchoring PNG in the Pacific
- Diagonal split: A dynamic break from colonial-era symmetry
When presented to Parliament, the vote deadlocked. Speaker Sir John Guise cast the deciding vote, declaring Karike’s design the winner. On September 16, 1975, it soared over Port Moresby as thousands celebrated independence.
Triumph and Tragedy
While the flag became an instant icon, Karike’s life took a starkly different path. She married, raised four children, and lived in quiet obscurity. By 2016, she resided in a makeshift home near a psychiatric facility, her family struggling in poverty. When journalists visited, her grandchildren paraded a large flag—her "handiwork of value"—on dusty ground.
Despite gifting PNG its most enduring symbol, she received no state pension or meaningful recognition. Promises of a state funeral were broken when she died in 2017. Her burial was delayed for months, funded by family savings. Her husband lamented, "No proper recognition was given... from Somare’s time up to now."
A Legacy for PNG’s 50th Year
As PNG marks half a century of independence, Karike’s story demands reflection:
- A nation’s symbols are woven by its people, yet their creators can be forgotten.
- Her design unified 800+ language groups and rugged landscapes—a triumph of youthful imagination.
- Her neglect exposes a gap between national pride and tangible gratitude.
Posthumous honors, like a museum gallery named for her, ring hollow against her lived hardship. True tribute would be integrating her story into school curricula, ensuring every child knows the girl who drew their flag.
Conclusion: Lifting the Designer from the Shadows
Susan Karike’s flag endures—on government buildings, sporting jerseys, and independence celebrations. But as PNG turns 50, her legacy challenges us: National unity is not just celebrated in symbols; it is forged in how we honor those who created them.
Let the golden bird of paradise remind us: Behind every icon is a human story deserving of dignity. As banners fly high this anniversary year, may we finally give Susan Karike the remembrance she earned.
"Her contribution will be seen by generations to come. But she died disappointed."
— Nanny Huhume, Susan’s husband