A man in a comically chosen shirt and tie combo approached clutching a bull-horn and quickly shook the hand of Jamie, our gob-smacked expedition leader, and welcomed us heartily into his community. Then he turned to the several hundred villagers now assembled behind the dancers and proceeded to bellow a torrent of distorted, pigeon English instructions into the crowd.
A small group of uniformed but unarmed, 'community police' stood casually between us and the feverishly curious inhabitants now straining for a view of the unusual arrivals.
On cue, a small corridor appeared in the crowd and from it emerged half a dozen golden-skinned nubile young maidens clutching vivid and intricate flower constructions which were delicately placed over, or onto, our wide-brimmed hats. As in ancient Trobriand tradition, we were being welcomed by the most attractive, eligible members of this little community.
"The Trobrianders have made seduction an art form," Nancy, our resident anthropologist, reminds us, "it's all a part of the matrilineal (female based) society of this region."
Dr Nancy Sullivan is our cultural interpreter and, without her, we'd be floundering in this complex multi-layered 'kula' culture that trades in chattels, food and favours.
Kula is a benign, yet highly involved game of strategy and influence that has been the basis for inter-island relations in the Milne Bay region over many centuries.
"This gorgeous shell jewellery," proclaims Nancy, whilst selecting a girl who is probably the equivalent of a princess, "is a very clear sign of her status in the community."
Nancy delicately cradles and admires the weighty assembly of mother-of-pearl, spondylus and crocus shell strung together to form a magnificent ceremonial piece.
"This piece of kula is probably over one hundred years old and is full of legend and magic," Nancy declares; her eyes widening behind dark glasses, as we peer in wonder at the polished baubles.
For my part, I am completely entranced at the intricate decorations applied to our hostess. Her flawless skin is dusted with stigma from lurid yellow flowers, while around her neck are garlands of tiny, painstakingly woven flowers. Dark armbands with shell adornments match the cluster of hand-fashioned red shells cascading from her petit earlobes, while a similar strand encircles her subtly painted forehead; which in turn is topped with a tiara of bird feathers.
Each girl is similarly bedecked, but infinitesimal differences declare her family's ultimate status within the community.
The dainty troupe turn to escort us up the short hill to a parade ground where hundreds more spectators await; their coquettish banana fibre miniskirts waving seductively in unison.
The sun and spectacle were stating to make my head spin!
The entire morning we were treated to the most elaborate and breath-taking dances performed by men, women and children of all ages. From slow, sensual, Polynesian-style hula dancing to the legendary and hilariously ritualised Trobriand cricket, the vibrant and unashamedly sensual culture of the Trobriand Islands were there on show.
Prior to our return to Oceanic Princess, we embarked on some 'kula' trading of our own and wandered among the many artefacts laid out for our inspection. Beautiful ebony carvings inlaid with mother-of-pearl, masks and shell jewellery were all on show.
Back aboard and relishing the air-conditioned comfort of Oceanic Princess' Top Deck Bar, our conversation barely veered from the intoxicating entertainment we'd just witnessed. Nancy threaded amongst us, handling a myriad of questions, all of which were handled with her seemingly inexhaustible enthusiasm.
