DOCSLIB.ORG

Cyclone Harold Recovery & Resilience Sanitation

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Cyclone Harold Recovery & Resilience Sanitation CYCLONE HAROLD RECOVERY & RESILIENCE SANITATION PROJECT on VAO, MALEKULA Final Report Cyclone Harold Recovery and Resilience WASH Project - Vao, North East Malekula Background on TC Harold affected areas in North Malekula – Vao Island and Mainland On Monday 6 April 2020, Category 5 Cyclone Harold (‘TC Harold’) cut a devastating path through the northern islands of Vanuatu. Parts of Santo, Pentecost, Malo, Ambrym and Malekula islands were among the worst affected. On Malekula, consolidated assessment data from the Malampa Provincial Emergency Operations Centre documented that areas in the North, North West and North East were seriously impacted. While these communities were spared the worst of large-scale destruction of infrastructure, damage to food crops and clean water sources was substantial in the immediate aftermath of the disaster. Over a 2-month period till the end of June, government coordinated food distributions and emergency water trucking to North Malekula communities took place with the assistance of the Red Cross. Schematic provided by Vanuatu Health Cluster Mainland Vao, and especially Vao Island in the North East of Malekula reported a surge in cases of waterborne diseases in the first 2 months following TC Harold. 2 The Malampa Provincial Health Surveillance Unit reported a rapid rise in numbers of cases of diarrhoea, conjunctivitis and flu-like illnesses in cyclone affected communities. In particular, the communities of Vao in the northeastern corner reported the largest cluster of waterborne infections, especially in the 4 sectors of Vao Island. Covid-19 related health awareness activities that began weeks before TC Harold refocused once again on disseminating basic handwashing and personal hygiene messages. According to the Malampa Provincial Health team, improved handwashing measures appeared to reduce the number of diarrhoeal cases. Rural communities without handwashing stations were encouraged to construct simple ‘tippy-taps’ made from bamboo or recycled plastic drink bottles. As the emergency relief phase transitioned into recovery mode, communities considered more permanent ways to improve toileting and handwashing structures. Many people are aware of the connection between poor hygiene and heightened risks of contracting diseases, especially when natural disasters strike. Population Statistics for Vao Mainland and Island Vao Mainland Sector Number of Households Population Males Females Total Labung 25 41 39 80 Lawor 20 42 38 80 Tokvanuaute 57 117 124 241 St Joseph 32 64 77 141 Veturah 76 213 214 427 210 477 492 969 Vao Island Sector Number of Households Population Males Females Total Beteul 59 150 140 290 Tokvanu 40 84 96 180 Beterihivenu 56 105 125 230 Noroure-Sigone 63 147 179 326 218 486 540 1026 TOTAL 428 1995 Figures provided by Vao Dispensary (June 2020) Strengthening hygiene and sanitation structures such as properly functioning toilets, handwashing stations and access to clean drinking water are ongoing challenges from the health education as well as implementation standpoints. Many households share toilets, some of which are poorly constructed, not well-maintained and are not cleaned regularly. Many toilets do not have proper handwashing facilities attached. The vast majority of toilets are not easily accessible by the elderly and disabled. The health impact of the latest cyclone combined with the threat of Covid-19 has brought home the urgent message to strengthen the WASH needs of individuals and communities. 3 The northern parts of Malekula experience sustained periods of low rainfall due to orographic effects. On mainland Vao, existing solar pump systems could benefit from upgrades and improvements, according to an independent survey recently commissioned by the Department of Water Services in May 2020. On Vao Island, 3 of the 4 sectors rely on wells as their primary source of water. Some households and communal areas have rainwater collection tanks as secondary sources for drinking and other uses. In the dry season, villagers from the small island frequently have to fetch water from the mainland when groundwater supplies turn brackish and tank water supplies are depleted. Objectives The core purpose of this project is to equip Vao communities on the mainland and small island with the necessary skills to construct a standard VIP (Ventilated Improved Pit) toilet that is affordable and accessible to everyone. The activity is aligned with the Ministry of Health’s Sanitation Guidelines as well as its TC Harold Response Plan. The latest guidelines recommend that over 2000 household VIP toilets are built in North East Malekula alone. • Objective #1: Recovery – to facilitate the reconstruction of properly functioning toilets for communities affected by TC Harold. 4 • Objective #2: Health Education – to reinforce key messages around sanitation and hygiene, focusing on the transmission of diseases due to poor hygiene practices. Covid-19 awareness and preparedness activities will be integrated during community awareness sessions. • Objective #3: Sustainable Development and Resilience – 1. Improvements to existing toilets according to Sanitation and Hygiene guidelines 2. Communities follow through by building their own toilets, including handwashing stations. 3. Communities gain the necessary skills to build their own improved toilets and knowledge on the importance of hygiene. • Objective #4: Menstrual Hygiene – special focus will be placed on the needs of women and girls. • Objective #5: Inclusiveness – modified design of VIP toilet that takes into account disability access. Design Refer to the Appendix A and B for design plans and sketches, and Bill of Quantities of Materials. The proposed design of VIP toilet Photos courtesy of Keith Jacob Gasi Sanma Environmental Health Officer 5 Implementation A: Consultation stage Who When Description PORT VILA: 2 – 30 June ▪ Checks conducted to ensure proposed activity is aligned with the Ministry of Health’s TC Harold Environmental Health Unit Response Plan for Sanitation and Hygiene. Sanitation Working Group ▪ Latest copy of Sanitation Guidelines obtained. Neglected Tropical Diseases Unit ▪ Advice sought on toilet design plans, types of toilets and bills of quantities. WASH Cluster ▪ Explored potential opportunity to integrate this activity with Neglected Tropical Diseases Unit. PORT VILA: 1 June ▪ Sought advice from WASH Cluster to coordinate activities with other agencies. Learned that Unicef is Unicef funding the training of 12 new Sanitation Officers who will be able to provide training to communities. Rota Mould Ltd. ▪ Consulted Rota Mould and Total Construction, both Total Construction Ltd. private businesses in Port Vila to find out about possible handwashing stations and alternative toilet designs. MALEKULA (Norsup, Lakatoro): 25 May ▪ Held discussions with Public Health Manager and 15 June Health Promotions Officer to ascertain gaps and Malampa Provincial Health priorities in cyclone affected areas. Department of Water Services ▪ Discussed the possibility of VIP toilets for various Aid Posts in the North, North East and North West Malekula. ▪ Obtained advice from Malampa Surveillance Officer on data relating to cyclone-related illnesses. ▪ Sought advice from Provincial Water Officer on proposed plans to improve water distribution systems to cyclone affected communities. ▪ Based on accumulated information above, provincial health authorities advised us to focus on the community of Vao. MALEKULA (Vao): 17 June ▪ Discussed proposal with members of the Health Committee which included the nurse, school Vao Community Health 30 June - principal and paramount chief. Committee present Malampa Disability Officer 6 ▪ Telephone consultations with Vao Dispensary Nurse in-charge to obtain population statistics and other data for planning purposes. ▪ Vao Health Committee team conducted awareness of the project in the various sectors. ▪ Nurse and Nurse Aid conducted a mini-survey of existing sanitation facilities in each sector – results currently being collated. ▪ Telephone consultation with Malampa Disability Officer to find out the details of specific individuals with disabilities on Vao. Learnt that there was a very recent survey conducted last month. Results will be published by mid-July and used to inform project planning. SANTO: 22 June ▪ Several meetings took place in Luganville with the Sanma Environmental Health Officer and Malampa Sanma Provincial Health 26 June - Health Promotions Officer. Both these health officers Sanitation Officer present will be in charge of training the community in the construction of VIP toilets. Malampa Health Promotions Officer ▪ Gathered information on: - Training material including practical steps for communities to prepare themselves for the hands-on component. - Location of toilets taking into account environmental impact and appropriate distancing to avoid contaminating water sources. - Design specifications including the riser moulds for the toilet seat. - Schedules and Timeline. - Possible integration of training and induction of newly appointed sanitation officers into this project. Outcomes of consultations with National, Provincial and Vao Community stakeholders: 1. Approval by the Vao community leaders for the project and agreement that the community will contribute local timber, natangura thatch, bamboo and other natural materials available locally for the construction of the frame, walls and roof of each model toilet. 2. Approval by the Environmental Health Unit of the Ministry of Health (MOH) for the
Load more

Recommended publications
  • 38467 1989 SPREP Topic Revi
    ORIGINAL: ENGLISH SOUTH PACIFIC REGIONAL ENVIRONMENT PROGRAMME TOPIC REVIEW No. 37 THE STATUS OF THE DUGONG (DUGON DUGON) IN VANUATU M.R. Chambers, E.Bani and B.E.T. Barker-Hudson O.,;^, /ZO. ^ ll pUG-^Y^ South Pacific Commission Noumea, New Caledonia April 1989 UBHArt/ SOUTH PACIFIC COMMISSION EXECUTIVE SUMMARY This project was carried out to assess the distribution, abundance, cultural importance and threats to the dugong in Vanuatu. The study was carried out by a postal questionnaire survey and an aerial survey, commencing in October 1987. About 600 copies of the questionnaire were circulated in Vanuatu, and about 1000 kilometres of coastline surveyed from the air. Dugongs were reported or seen to occur in nearly 100 localities, including all the major islands and island groups of Vanuatu. The animals were generally reported to occur in small groups; only in three instances were groups of more than 10 animals reported. Most people reported that dugong numbers were either unchanged or were increasing. There was no evidence that dugongs migrate large distances or between islands in the archipelago, although movements may occur along the coasts of islands and between closely associated islands. Dugong hunting was reported from only a few localities, although it is caught in more areas if the chance occurs. Most hunting methods use traditional means, mainly the spear. Overall, hunting mortality is low, even in areas reported to regularly hunt dugongs. Accordingly, the dugong does not seem to be an important component of the subsistence diet in any part of Vanuatu, even though it is killed mainly for food.
    [Show full text]
  • The Status of the Dugong (Dugon Dugon) in Vanuatu
    ORIGINAL: ENGLISH SOUTH PACIFIC REGIONAL ENVIRONMENT PROGRAMME TOPIC REVIEW No. 37 THE STATUS OF THE DUGONG (DUGON DUGON) IN VANUATU M.R. Chambers, E.Bani and B.E.T. Barker-Hudson O.,;^, /ZO. ^ ll pUG-^Y^ South Pacific Commission Noumea, New Caledonia April 1989 UBHArt/ SOUTH PACIFIC COMMISSION EXECUTIVE SUMMARY This project was carried out to assess the distribution, abundance, cultural importance and threats to the dugong in Vanuatu. The study was carried out by a postal questionnaire survey and an aerial survey, commencing in October 1987. About 600 copies of the questionnaire were circulated in Vanuatu, and about 1000 kilometres of coastline surveyed from the air. Dugongs were reported or seen to occur in nearly 100 localities, including all the major islands and island groups of Vanuatu. The animals were generally reported to occur in small groups; only in three instances were groups of more than 10 animals reported. Most people reported that dugong numbers were either unchanged or were increasing. There was no evidence that dugongs migrate large distances or between islands in the archipelago, although movements may occur along the coasts of islands and between closely associated islands. Dugong hunting was reported from only a few localities, although it is caught in more areas if the chance occurs. Most hunting methods use traditional means, mainly the spear. Overall, hunting mortality is low, even in areas reported to regularly hunt dugongs. Accordingly, the dugong does not seem to be an important component of the subsistence diet in any part of Vanuatu, even though it is killed mainly for food.
    [Show full text]
  • Subject/ Area: Vanuatu at the Speed We Cruise, It Will Take Us More Than
    Subject/ Area: Vanuatu At the speed we cruise, it will take us more than one season to cover Vanuatu! During this past 4 months, we explored the Southern part of Vanuatu: Tanna, Aniwa, Erromango and Efate. The ultimate cruising guide for Vanuatu is the Rocket Guide (nicknamed Tusker guide, from the first sponsor - www.cruising-vanuatu.com). With charts, aerial photos and sailing directions to most anchorages, you will have no problem making landings. We also used Bob Tiews & Thalia Hearns Vanuatu cruising guide and Miz Mae’s Vanuatu guide. Those 3 reference guides and previous letters in the SSCA bulletins will help you planning a great time in Vanuatu! CM 93 electronic charts are slightly off so do not rely blindly on them! At time of writing, 100 vatu (vt) was about $1 US. Tanna: Having an official port of entry, this island was our first landfall, as cruising NW to see the Northern islands will be easier than the other way around! Port Resolution: We arrived in Port Resolution early on Lucky Thursday…lucky because that is the day of the week that the Customs and Immigration officials come the 2 1/2 hour, 4-wheel drive across from Lenakel. We checked in at no extra cost, and avoided the expense of hiring a transport (2000 vatu RT). We met Werry, the caretaker of the Port Resolution “yacht club”, donated a weary Belgian flag for his collection, and found out about the volcano visit, tours, and activities. Stanley, the son of the Chief, is responsible for relations with the yachts, and he is the tour guide or coordinator of the tours that yachties decide to do.
    [Show full text]
  • Working Together in Vanuatu: Research Histories
    19. Olfala Histri Wea i Stap Andanit long Graon. Archaeological Training Workshops in Vanuatu: A Profile, the Benefits, Spin-offs and Extraordinary Discoveries Stuart Bedford, Matthew Spriggs, Ralph Regenvanu and Salkon Yona Archaeological research was included in the Vanuatu governmental moratorium on humanities-based research in Vanuatu from 1984 to 1994 (Bolton 1999: 1) and consequently it languished very much in a pioneering phase, reliant on interpretations from the results of a handful of influential projects that had been carried out through the 1960s and 70s. Right up to the mid-1990s fundamental questions relating to the initial colonisation and settlement of the archipelago and the succeeding cultural transformations which took place were still largely unanswered. Much of the country remained an archaeological terra incognita (Bedford et al. 1998; Bedford 2006a). However, the establishment of the Vanuatu Cultural and Historic Sites Survey (VCHSS) in 1990, a separate but associated entity to the Vanuatu Cultural Centre (VCC) and funded primarily by the European Union, was a major positive boost to archaeology. It started with a team of professional archaeologists, David Roe and Jean-Christophe Galipaud, and a less experienced but energetic group of ni-Vanuatu, some of whom would later go on to play influential roles in the long-term future of the VCC. The VCHSS initially comprised the manager Martha Yamsiu (later Kaltal) and field officers, Peter Kolmas, Ralph Regenvanu, Nicolas Vanusoksok, François Wadra and Fidel Yoringmal. Its aims were to build and maintain a database of sites of cultural, archaeological and historic significance; to conduct surveys to identify and document these sites; train ni-Vanuatu staff in techniques of survey, research planning and execution; consider and establish procedures for determining, assessing and responding to threats to sites; encourage and develop the study of archaeology and history of Vanuatu and promote an awareness of its importance as part of the country’s cultural heritage (Regenvanu et al.
    [Show full text]
  • South Malekula Area Council; Malampa Province
    V-CAP site: South Malekula Area Council, Malampa Province South Malekula Area Council; Malampa Province 1 V-CAP site context and background Malampa is one of the six provinces of Vanuatu, located in the centre of the country and consisting of three main islands namely Malekula, Ambrym and Paama. It also includes a number of smaller offshore islands – the small islands of Uripiv, Norsup, Rano, Wala, Atchin and Vao off the coast of Malekula and the volcanic island of Lopevi near Paama (currently uninhabited). Also included are the Maskelynne Islands and other small islands suck as Akam and Avock along the south coast of Malekula. The total population of Malampa Province is 36,722 (2009 census) people and it contains an area of 2,779 km². Malekula is the most populated and developed island in the province and houses the provincial capital named Lakatoro. Malekula receives an abundance of precipitation. The temperature on the island varies during the hot and cold seasons, but averages approximately 24.9°C at the coast and is a few degrees cooler in the centre of the island. Weather in Malekula is seasonal, and warmer from November until April and cooler and dryer period typically from May to October. Like the rest of Vanuatu, the island’s weather is strongly influenced by the El Nino Southern Oscillation cycles. During the El Nino (warm phase) the country is subject to long dry spells. During the La Nina (cool phase) Vanuatu has prolonged wet conditions. Malekula is located on active geological faults. The southeastern side of the island experienced major earthquakes as recently as the 1990s and the land, e.g.
    [Show full text]
  • Tanna Island - Wikipedia
    Tanna Island - Wikipedia Not logged in Talk Contributions Create account Log in Article Talk Read Edit View history Tanna Island From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Coordinates : 19°30′S 169°20′E Tanna (also spelled Tana) is an island in Tafea Main page Tanna Contents Province of Vanuatu. Current events Random article Contents [hide] About Wikipedia 1 Geography Contact us 2 History Donate 3 Culture and economy 3.1 Population Contribute 3.2 John Frum movement Help 3.3 Language Learn to edit 3.4 Economy Community portal 4 Cultural references Recent changes Upload file 5 Transportation 6 References Tools 7 Filmography Tanna and the nearby island of Aniwa What links here 8 External links Related changes Special pages Permanent link Geography [ edit ] Page information It is 40 kilometres (25 miles) long and 19 Cite this page Wikidata item kilometres (12 miles) wide, with a total area of 550 square kilometres (212 square miles). Its Print/export highest point is the 1,084-metre (3,556-foot) Download as PDF summit of Mount Tukosmera in the south of the Geography Printable version island. Location South Pacific Ocean Coordinates 19°30′S 169°20′E In other projects Siwi Lake was located in the east, northeast of Archipelago Vanuatu Wikimedia Commons the peak, close to the coast until mid-April 2000 2 Wikivoyage when following unusually heavy rain, the lake Area 550 km (210 sq mi) burst down the valley into Sulphur Bay, Length 40 km (25 mi) Languages destroying the village with no loss of life. Mount Width 19 km (11.8 mi) Bislama Yasur is an accessible active volcano which is Highest elevation 1,084 m (3,556 ft) Български located on the southeast coast.
    [Show full text]
  • LOA MO SOSEL JASTIS TOKTOK July Edition
    LOA MO SOSEL JASTIS TOKTOK July Edition m LOA MO SOSEL JASTIS TOKTOK The newsletter from the Justice and Community Services Sector Photo Credit; Emily Ellis Brought to you by: JASTIS, SEFTI, DIGNITI, RISPEKT MO GUD FASIN BLONG EVRIWAN IN THIS ISSUE Brought to you by: The purpose of this Newsletter is to share The theme of the day was “Everyone information, news and data among our should support children’s learning by Sector. You can keep up with more news Enrolling all our children into class 1 at at the Ministry of Justice & Community age 6”. This theme was discussed in a full Services (MJCS) website and other Sector agencies websites. week of radio programs on VBTC leading up to the launch last Monday. SECTOR UPDATES This year was the first year that children Community leaders and DG Mark Bebe have led the official National Children’s cut the cake….. National Children’s Day Day celebrations. It was fantastic to see On 10th July, delegates from MJCS, MOYDS, celebrations all our partners allowing space for UNICEF and Penama Provincial government children to be up front and centre of their travelled to Tavalunwai community in North day. Seeing children’s smiles and growing Pentecost to launch the newest pilot site for the confidence is one of the best gifts in life. joint MJCS-MOYDS-UNICEF Child Protection Pilot Project. The celebrations would not have been possible without the support of our Refer to page 5 partners. The commitment from such a wide range of partners demonstrates that children are valued members of our society.
    [Show full text]
  • Agricultural Development in Tongan Prehistory: an Archaeobotanical Perspective
    AGRICULTURAL DEVELOPMENT IN TONGAN PREHISTORY: AN ARCHAEOBOTANICAL PERSPECTIVE A Dissertation by ELLA USSHER A thesis submitted for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy at the Australian National University June 2015 School of Culture, History and Language Department of Archaeology and Natural History i DECLARATION The research presented here is based on original fieldwork, as well as analysis of micro- and macrobotanical assemblages excavated by the author on Tongatapu, Kingdom of Tonga. I certify that, except where it is stated otherwise, this dissertation is the result of my own original investigation. Ella Ussher ii Acknowledgements The completion of this thesis would not have been possible without the contribution and support of a number of people. Firstly, I would like to thank my Chair of Panel Assoc. Prof. Geoff Clark for proposing this project and supporting my fieldwork in Tonga, as well as guiding the final shaping of the written component of my research. My other supervisors, especially Janelle Stevenson and Matiu Prebble, provided me with invaluable technical support over the last four years in both the construction of my comparative collection and the analysis of archaeological material. Many other staff and students at the ANU provided me with specialised advice. These included Dr Jack Fenner (statistics), Dr Frank Brinks (SEM), Dr Anne Prins (histology), Feli Hopf and Jay Chin (microbotanical labwork), Rose Whitau (macrobotanical labwork) and Maxine MacArthur (copy editing). To these people, I am very grateful for their time and sharing of experience and equipment, without which this research could not have been completed. On a more personal level, I wish to give a massive thank you to my partner Josh for being so understanding of the time and effort that needed to go into this PhD project.
    [Show full text]
  • 0=AFRICAN Geosector
    3= AUSTRONESIAN phylosector Observatoire Linguistique Linguasphere Observatory page 301 35= MANUSIC covers the "Manus+ New-Britain" reference area, part of the Papua New Guinea 5 "Oceanic" affinity within the "Austronesian" intercontinental phylozone affinity; comprising 9 sets of languages (= 82 outer languages) spoken by communities in Australasia, on Manus, New Ireland, New Britain and other adjacent islands of Papua New Guinea: 35-A WUVULU+ SEIMAT 35-B SISI+ BALUAN 35-C TUNGAG+ KUANUA 35-D NAKANAI+ VITU 35-E LAMOGAI+ AMARA* 35-F SOLONG+ AVAU* 35-G KAPORE+ MANGSENG* 35-H MAENG+ UVOL* 35-I TUMOIP 35-A WUVULU+ SEIMAT set 35-AA WUVULU+ AUA chain 35-AAA WUVULU+ AUA net 35-AAA-a Wuvulu+ Aua aua+ viwulu, viwulu+ aua Admiralty islands: Wuvulu+ Aua islands Papua New Guinea (Manus) 3 35-AAA-aa wuvulu viwulu, wuu Wuvulu, Maty islan Papua New Guinea (Manus) 2 35-AAA-ab aua Aua, Durour islan Papua New Guinea (Manus) 2 35-AB SEIMAT+ KANIET chain 35-ABA SEIMAT net NINIGO 35-ABA-a Seimat ninigo Admiralty islands: Ninigo islands Papua New Guinea (Manus) 2 35-ABA-aa sumasuma Sumasuma island Papua New Guinea (Manus) 35-ABA-ab mai Mai island Papua New Guinea (Manus) 35-ABA-ac ahu Ahu islan Papua New Guinea (Manus) 35-ABA-ad liot Liot islan Papua New Guinea (Manus) 35-ABB KANIET* net ¶extinct since 1950 X 35-ABB-a Kaniet-'Thilenius' Admiralty islands: Kaniet, Anchorite, Sae+ Suf islands Papua New Guinea (Manus) 0 35-ABB-aa kaniet-'thilenius' Thilenius's kaniet Papua New Guinea (Manus) 0 35-ABB-b Kaniet-'Smythe' Admiralty islands: Kaniet, Anchorite, Sae+ Suf islands Papua New Guinea (Manus) 0 35-ABB-ba kaniet-'smythe' Smythe's kaniet Papua New Guinea (Manus) 0 35-B SISI+ BALUAN set MANUS 35-BA SISI+ LEIPON chain manus-NW.
    [Show full text]
  • The Archaeology of Vanuatu: Lapita to Later Cultural Transformations (3000
    Cultural homogeneity and linguistic diversity: evidence from the Islands of northeast Malakula, Vanuatu Stuart Bedford The Australian National University/MPI-SHH MPI-SHH Lapita settlement of the Pacific associated with Austronesian expansion speaking Proto- Oceanic. C. 3000 BP. Very initial colonisation aDNA indicates genetically Asian groups. Small sample and human remains are very rare. Almost 300 sites but a handful of sites with human remains. 30 Lapita sites found throughout the Vanuatu archipelago. Initially thought as marginal but sites where hard to find due to uplift and volcanic ashfall. Lapita vessel, Teouma site, Efate Whole range of vessel forms often with anthropomorphic motifs Rapid simplification in design motif and range of vessel forms Lapita period: rapid simplification along with diversification Distinctive NE Malakula Lapita While regional diversification is occurring there is still evidence of contact. Zigzag motif and shell impression Immediately Post-Lapita Erromango (2800BP), south Vanuatu. Pottery production ends in the south c.2000BP Immediately Post-Lapita Efate/Shepherds. Pottery production on Efate ends c. 1200 BP Immediately Post-Lapita Malakula to c. 2300 BP. Pottery production continues here and in much of the north till European contact. Islands of northeast Malakula all less than 2km sq. Subject to uplift and tephra-fall Atchin Wala Rano Excavations on Uripiv, Wala, Atchin and Vao. Well preserved sites that represent 3000 years occupation. Almost identical stratigraphy and archaeological deposits Lapita vessels from Uripiv and Vao. Associated with first arrival but already regionally distinctive vessel forms and design motifs • Lapita occupation on the beach then 1000 years of occupation in similar zone • Coral gravel imported from 2300 BP acting as free draining surface • Massive Ambrym eruption c.
    [Show full text]
  • Stone Men of Malekula on Malakula: an Ethnography of an Ethnography
    Stone Men of Malekula on Malakula: An Ethnography of an Ethnography Haidy Geismar New York University, USA abstract This article examines the resonances of the voluminous ethnography, ‘Stone Men of Malekula’ (SMM) in contemporary Vanuatu. Anthropological research is politically charged in Vanuatu, in part because of how the weighty materiality of archival forms exercise significant local authority. However, alongside respect for this ‘evidential’ material is a healthy scepticism of anthropological authority. SMM, written by the maverick anthropologist John Layard in 1942 (based on fieldwork in 1914 –15), has returned to Vanuatu in many guises over the years. It is used as formal evidence in land disputes and as a bone of contention within competing claims. Tracing the ways in which culture is written, read and materialized, exposes the paradoxes of knowledge and politics not only within anthropological critique but in Vanuatu villages. keywords Ethnographic representation, text, materiality, evidence, Vanuatu his article describes some engagements between contemporary Mala- kulans (islanders from Malakula, part of the South Pacific archipelago Tof Vanuatu) and the production of anthropological knowledge, as mediated by the form and content of a single, particularly voluminous, eth- nography. Stone Men of Malekula (SMM ), published by British anthropologist and analytic psychologist John Layard in 1942, is based on fieldwork in the Small Islands and Mainland of North-East Malakula in 1914–15 and focuses primarily on the social and ritual configurations of the Small Island of Vao (Fig. 1). Today, smm is both a primary cultural resource and a highly conten- tious source of knowledge for many Small Islanders, its reach extending onto the mainland and beyond, into networks of Malakulans living in Vanuatu’s capital, Port Vila.
    [Show full text]
  • Debating Lapita: Distribution, Chronology, Society and Subsistence
    1 Debating Lapita: Distribution, chronology, society and subsistence Stuart Bedford, Matthew Spriggs, David V. Burley, Christophe Sand, Peter Sheppard and Glenn R. Summerhayes Lapita has been a focus for archaeologists for generations. Initially inspired by the scattered reporting in the early twentieth century of highly decorated sherds (Meyer 1909; McKern 1929; Piroutet 1917), its increasing significance in terms of the human settlement of the Pacific began to build in the 1960s. The Lapita culture has been most clearly defined by its distinctive dentate- stamped decorated pottery and the design system represented on it and on further incised pots. It is defined earliest in the Bismarck Archipelago to the east of the large island of New Guinea, at some time in the centuries preceding 3000 cal. BP. At around that date the Lapita culture spread out from its Bismarck Archipelago ‘homeland’ to beyond previously inhabited regions of Near Oceania to establish the first human colonies in the western part of Remote Oceania, the present-day south-east Solomons, Vanuatu, New Caledonia, Fiji, Tonga, Samoa and Wallis and Futuna. At about the same time there was a push to the south-west out from the Bismarcks along the south coast of New Guinea, perhaps even as far as the Torres Straits (McNiven et al. 2006). The broad overlapping themes of this volume, Lapita distribution and chronology, society and subsistence, relate to research questions that have long been debated in relation to Lapita. It is a substantial volume with 23 chapters, reflecting the increasing breadth and focus on different aspects of Lapita that have developed over several decades.
    [Show full text]