. The people are basically Melanesians of the Papuan variety, but there has been much mixture with Asian peoples. There are many animists, a few Muslims, and some Christians. Houses of wood and palm leaf, generally on piles, are entered from underneath; their carved pillars show much artistry of construction. The men are skillful boatbuilders, search for trepang (sea cucumber) and turtle shell, keep pigs, and work in iron, copper, and gold.