Vanuatu – Traditional Pacific Culture

Share/Bookmark

Vanuatu is an archipelago of 83 islands lying between New Caledonia and Fiji in the South Pacific. The islands called Vanuatu were home to Melanesians for over 2,500 years. There is evidence that Melanesian navigators from Papua New Guinea were the first to colonise Vanuatu. Then, in the 15th century, European explorers and missionaries began arriving and the islands changed forever. Many Vanuatu believe that wealth can be obtained through ceremonies. Dance is an important part of their culture; many villages have dancing grounds called Nasara. A significant traditional event is the Toka festival on Tanna Island, a symbol of alliance and friendship between different tribes.

vanuatu Vanuatu   Traditional Pacific Culture

Traditional weaving as part of a small nambas kastom village tour on Malekula Island, Vanuatu

vanuatu1 Vanuatu   Traditional Pacific Culture

Traditional food preparation as part of a small nambas kastom village tour on Malekula Island, Vanuatu

vanuatu2 Vanuatu   Traditional Pacific Culture

Tesi Aurelie’s bungalows on Malakula island. Tesi is one of the many people who has received training and support from the AusAID funded TVET program

vanuatu3 Vanuatu   Traditional Pacific Culture

Prawn farm, Vanuatu

vanuatu4 Vanuatu   Traditional Pacific Culture

Port Vila vegetable market, Vanuatu

vanuatu5 Vanuatu   Traditional Pacific Culture

Port Vila vegetable market, Vanuatu

vanuatu6 Vanuatu   Traditional Pacific Culture

Port Vila vegetable market, Vanuatu

vanuatu7 Vanuatu   Traditional Pacific Culture

NiVanuatu artisan replaces a thatched roof on the chiefs’ meeting hall. Vanuatu

vanuatu8 Vanuatu   Traditional Pacific Culture

Security officer at Port Vila vegetable market, Vanuatu

vanuatu9 Vanuatu   Traditional Pacific Culture

Sargent Ephraim Kalorib teaching at Vanuatu Police College. Vanuatu

vanuatu10 Vanuatu   Traditional Pacific Culture

Paul Denny works at a copra production centre on Malekula Island, Vanuatu.

vanuatu11 Vanuatu   Traditional Pacific Culture

Perry Louis a lab assistant at the Norsup Hospital, Malekula Island, Vanuatu

vanuatu12 Vanuatu   Traditional Pacific Culture

Kindergarten students during a lunch break at Norsup Primary School, Malekula Island.

vanuatu13 Vanuatu   Traditional Pacific Culture

Passengers board a plane after it stopped at the first of two stops on the island of Malakula

vanuatu14 Vanuatu   Traditional Pacific Culture

Third grade students during class at Norsup Primary School. Malekula Island.

credit: DFAT photo library



Tags: , , , , , , , , , ,


Relevant Articles