Culture of Vanuatu

The amazing diversity in culture of Vanuatu is a result of 3,000 years of sporadic immigration from several Pacific countries. While most of the settlers arrived from Melanesia, well built and light-skinned Polynesians have also settled here. Over millennia, different groups came in contact with each other, through both peaceful and violent means.

In the northern areas, there are two variations of a social and political society where men and women can 'purchase' positions of status. Wealth, in the form of mats and pigs particularly pigs with rounded tusks, is not defined by how much an individual owns rather by demonstrating how much he can give away. Grade taking ceremonies, where large numbers of pigs are ritually killed and gifts given to members of an extended family are elaborate affairs. The status of a person may be publicly displayed with certain body decorations. However, there is no real authority attached to the status.

In the southern islands and particularly in Tanna, titles or names are bestowed on certain men, which designate them as chiefs. This status gave them rights over land and even possessions of entire social groups. Women hold a very low status in these regions whereas in places like Ambae and the Shepherds, women can achieve the rank of Chief.

The central areas are predominated by the Polynesians. The hereditary chief is a powerful authority figure reigning over an entire class system, complete with nobles and commoners.

The life in Vanuatu is governed by a constant cycle of ritual events such as the birth, circumcision and initiation, the achievement of status, marriage and death. Without any written form of language, story telling, songs and dances acquire greater significance. Art, ranging from body decorations and tattoos to elaborate masks, hats and carvings are also a vital part of ritual celebrations and the social life of the village.

Vanuatu culture is also rich in mythic legends. All natural formations and are imbibed with legends of significant cultural importance. Vanuatu's richness and diversity of culture is one of its primary attractions to visitors.

By: Shuchita Bist     

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Source: www.vanuatutourism.com