Safeguarding Pioneers

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

Safeguarding Pioneers Safeguarding Pioneers Pacic Islands Museums Association Working together, preserving, celebrating, and nurturing the heritage of the peoples of the Pacic Islands Tarisi Vunidilo (Secretary-General, Paci!c Islands Museums Association) Young ni-Vanuatu girl trying out a sand drawing activity at the Discussion among members of PIMA Vanuatu Cultural Centre in Port Vila (Photo by Tarisi Vunidilo) (Photo by ICHCAP/B. Cha) he Pacific Islands Museums Association for Vanuatu, but for the whole world. Sponsored of Liberty, right alongside older traditional (PIMA) is a regional, non-governmental by UNESCO/Japan Funds-in-Trust for intangible forms such as the laplap form from Pentecost. T organisation that assists museums, cultural heritage, the festival demonstrated that this Of particular importance is that so many young centres, national trusts, cultural departments unique ni-Vanuatu tradition is still alive and may people took part in the festival, witnessing and and ministries, cultural associations, and arts indeed be undergoing a revival of interest, given learning from the custodians of this living cultural councils. PIMA acknowledges the richness of the the convergence of around 400 participants. heritage. For without this intergenerational Paci!c’s ICH and has undertaken some successful Aesthetically, the sand drawings are very transmission of knowledge, the future of unique initiatives to support ICH safeguarding. beautiful, and it was a privilege to witness the cultural expressions such as sand drawing would PIMA was established in 1994 as a regional great skill and knowledge of the practitioners indeed be under threat. forum where heritage professionals could from all over Vanuatu’s islands, as they ritually While there are plans to incorporate sand exchange their views and work towards drew complex designs on the "at black volcanic drawing as part of the national school curriculum improving the quality of service provided to the sands and recited the stories and songs to go in Vanuatu, to convey a true sense of the richness public. It is the !rst and only regional, multilingual, with them. However, it is necessary to realize and breadth of cultural context, festivals such multicultural, non-profit organisation that that sand drawings are much more than just as the one in Ambrym are essential. Locals, assists museums, cultural centres, and people to pretty geometric patterns or pictures. They are participants, and visitors are enriched by the preserve Paci!c heritage. a complex artistic ritual where art, story, and opportunity to make new friends, exchange PIMA develops community participation traditional knowledge are interwoven to form information and artistic inspiration, renew family in heritage management and brings together a language of memory, place, and community. connections, and learn new customs, dances, over forty-five museums and cultural centres in Sand drawings uniquely express the deep ni- art forms, stories, and music—experiences no the Pacific to develop their capacity to identify Vanuatu connection to and understanding of the classroom can convey. research, manage, interpret, and nurture land, conveying a sense of community, identity, In this age of intolerance, global conflict, cultural and natural heritage. PIMA advocates and interaction with nature and history that has and the stifling of creative diversity by huge the development of regional cultural resource evolved out of the spirit of the land and the hearts multinational corporations and powerful political management policies and practices, facilitates and minds of the people. interests, the need to raise awareness of cultural training, and provides a forum to exchange ideas To keep this cultural knowledge alive, it is not heritage’s value is crucial to bring people closer and skills. It provides and encourages regional and enough to preserve the outward forms of sand together in mutual respect and understanding. global linkages to support heritage safeguarding. drawings, but rather to continue to regenerate We need to do everything we can to promote In this article, PIMA highlights a case study on their deeper signi!cance—the stories, rituals, and and encourage the rich cultural diversity of initiatives that PIMA fully supported in Vanuatu as the symbolic meanings that express the richness humanity, and the continued practice of the arts one of its ICH safeguarding activities. of ni-Vanuatu culture and community relations. and culture of Vanuatu gives life to a language The Malampa Regional Sand Drawing Festival, Much of the success of the festival was in that may otherwise be forgotten or undervalued held in Sesivi, West Ambrym, from 11 to 15 May seeing innovative sand drawings evolve, such in the headlong rush toward ‘modern life’ and the 2008, was a significant cultural event not only as the depictions of Air Vanuatu and the Statue age of the mobile phone. VOL. 9 | 13.
Recommended publications
  • Vanuatu National Ocean Policy
    Vanuatu’s National Ocean Policy 30th May 2016 Our Ocean Our Culture Our People 2 | Vanuatu’s National Ocean Policy Vanuatu’s National Ocean Policy – our ocean, our culture, our people 30th May, 2016 Ocean Sub Committee Acknowledgements This document has been prepared by the Ocean Sub Committee of the National Committee for Maritime Boundary Delimitation with the assistance of the Ministry of Tourism. We thank the MACBIO project (implemented by GIZ with technical support from IUCN and SPREP; funded by BMUB) for their support and the Commonwealth Secretariat. We thank the government staff who contributed to the National Consultations, Live and Learn Vanuatu for their administrative support. We are especially grateful to the communities, provincial government officers, government officials and other stakeholders throughout the country who contributed their ideas and opinions to help ensure the future of Vanuatu’s ocean. We would like to dedicate this Ocean Policy to the late Miss Ruth Obed from Burumba Village, Epi Island. Dedication We would like to dedicate this Ocean Policy to the late Miss Ruth Obed from Burumba Village, Epi Island. Miss Obed, a 70-year-old disabled and hard working woman died when she went swimming in the sea, a few minutes before the consultations were scheduled to take place in her village. A life was taken by the ocean during the course of the Ocean Policy consultation, symbolizing the respect of the Ocean. “If we respect the Ocean, the Ocean will respect us.” MACBIO Marine and Coastal Biodiversity Management in Pacific
    [Show full text]
  • Financial Sector Development in the Pacific Developing Member Countries
    TABLE OF CONTENTS i FINANCIAL SECTOR DEVELOPMENT IN THE PACIFIC DEVELOPING MEMBER COUNTRIES Volume Two Country Reports Financial Sector Development in the Pacific Developing Member ii Countries: Country Reports © Asian Development Bank 2001 All rights reserved. First published in September 2001. This report was prepared by consultants for the Asian Development Bank. The findings, interpretations, and conclusions expressed in it do not necessarily represent the views of ADB or those of its member governments. The Asian Development Bank does not guarantee the accuracy of the data included in the publication and accepts no responsibility whatsoever for any consequences of their use. ISBN 971-561-392-6 Publication Stock No. 080401 Asian Development Bank P.O. Box 789, 0980 Manila Philippines Website: www.adb.org TABLE OF CONTENTS iii Abbreviations ADB Asian Development Bank ALTA Agricultural Landlord and Tenant Act, Fiji Islands AMU Asset Management Unit ANZ ANZ Bank, Australia and New Zealand Banking Group APRA Australian Prudential Regulation Authority ATHL Amalgamated Telecom Holdings (Fiji Islands) ATM Automatic Teller Machine AusAID Australian Agency for International Development BOK Bank of Kiribati BOT Bank of Tonga BPNG Bank of Papua New Guinea BSP Bank of South Pacific, Papua New Guinea CBS Central Bank of Samoa CBSI Central Bank of Solomon Islands CMDA Capital Market Development Authority (Fiji Islands) CNB Colonial National Bank (Fiji Islands) CPI Consumer Price Index CPSF Civil Service Pension Fund, Tonga DBK Development Bank of
    [Show full text]
  • The Importance of the Pig in Pacific Island Culture
    The Importance of the Pig in Pacific Island Culture An annotated bibliography Secretariat of the Pacific Community 2007 Copyright ©Secretariat of the Pacific Community 2006 All rights for commercial / for profit reproduction or translation, in any form, reserved. SPC authorises the partial reproduction or translation of this material for scientific, educational or research purposes, provided that SPC and the source document are properly acknowledged. Permission to reproduce the document and/or translate in whole, in any form, whether for commercial / for profit or non-profit purposes, must be requested in writing. Original SPC artwork may not be altered or separately published without permission. Original text: English Secretariat of the Pacific Community Cataloguing-in-publication data Report on the Bibliography of on the importance of the pig in Pacific Island Culture Secretariat of the Pacific Community ISSN: 0377-452X 1. Veterinary medicine—Oceania—Congresses. 2. Livestock–Diseases—Oceania—Congresses. 3. Animal health—Oceania— Congresses. 4. Livestock productivity—Oceania—Congresses. I. Title. II. Secretariat of the Pacific Community. III. Series 636.089 AACR2 ISBN: 982-00-0136-6 BIBLIOGRAPHY Contents Methodology ...................................................................................................4 Melanesia .......................................................................................................5 Trobriand Islands .........................................................................................6 Vanuatu ........................................................................................................6
    [Show full text]
  • Vanuatu Climate Action Program
    Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 ACRONYMS AIWBM Alternative Indicators of Well Being for Melanesia CEDAW Convention for the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women CRPD Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities COM Council of Ministers CRC Child Rights Committee FINPAC Finance Pacific HDI Human Development Index IRCCNH Increasing Resilience to Climate Change and Natural Hazards Project IGCF International Global Climate Fund NGEP National Gender Equality Policy 2015-2019 SPREP South Pacific Regional Environment Programme UNCAT The Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment UN ICCPR International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights VCAP Vanuatu Climate Action Program Page 7 1. Introduction Vanuatu 2030 The Peoples Plan (The Plan) is the National Sustainable Development Plan (NSDP) for the period 2016 to 2030. The NSDP builds on the progress made and lessons learned under the Priorities and Action Agenda, which guided our national development efforts between 2006 and 2015, and the Millennium Development Goals, which also expired in 2015. The design of the NSDP reflects the unique identity of the Ni-Vanuatu people. Vanuatu is a country of 83 islands located in the middle of the “Pacific Ring of Fire” and directly in the centre of the Pacific cyclone belt, making it one of the most “at risk” countries for environmental disaster in the world. The vulnerability of Vanuatu is most evident in the past few years. On 13 March 2015, Tropical Cyclone Pam struck Vanuatu, affecting 195,000 people and causing loss and damage equivalent to 64 per cent of annual Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
    [Show full text]
  • Measina O Samoa Preserving the Treasures of Samoa
    Measina o Samoa Preserving the treasures of Samoa Venus Mataia 1445739 Principal Supervisor: Christoph Schnoor Associate Supervisor: Rau Hoskins An Explanatory Document submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Architecture (Professional). Unitec Institute of Technology, New Zealand 2019 2 Abstract The arrival of the first settlers in the late 1760s ignited the influx of foreign cultures to Samoa, resulting in the colonisation and the loss of traditional knowledge and culture. Its effects on the nation today are evident within the architecture of Samoa and the relevance of cultural traditions. The introduction of new materials and tools, as well as globalisation, have shaped the traditional art forms and their relevance within modern-day society. The demand for certain art forms, including siapo, has decreased over the years with the ie toga remaining prominent within Samoan customs. The traditional knowledge associated with Samoan culture has been passed on to future generations, through oral tradition. The result of foreign influences has impacted this form of communication and has lead to the loss of cultural heritage. Foreigners brought their architectural styles to Samoa impacting the previous aesthetics of the country. The influence of foreign styles replaced traditional vernacular architecture of Samoa, resulting in a lack of Samoan culture. An example of this is the current museum of Samoa. Although its intention is to preserve the intangible culture of Samoa, the museum itself, which was previously a German school, is of colonial style. Traditional knowledge is in danger of becoming extinct and the Samoan landscape is becoming more vulnerable.
    [Show full text]
  • Encounters in Vanuatu: Process and Interactions in Visual Arts Catherine Kay University of Wollongong
    University of Wollongong Thesis Collections University of Wollongong Thesis Collection University of Wollongong Year Encounters in Vanuatu: process and interactions in visual arts Catherine Kay University of Wollongong Kay, Catherine, Encounters in Vanuatu: processes and interactions in visual arts, MCA thesis, Faculty of Creative Arts, University of Wollongong, 2009. http://ro.uow.edu.au/theses/4055 This paper is posted at Research Online. I Encounters in Vanuatu: Processes and Interactions in Visual Arts A thesis submitted in (partial) fulfilment of the requirements for the award of the degree Master of Creative Arts ‐ Research From UNIVERSITY OF WOLLONGONG FACULTY OF CREATIVE ARTS By Catherine Kay Bachelor of Visual Arts Canberra School of Arts Australian National University 1990 Graduate Diploma in Art History and Curatorship Australian National University 1993 Master of Creative Arts‐ Studio Practice University of Wollongong 1995 2009 II CERTIFICATION I, Catherine F. Kay, declare that this thesis, submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the award of Master of Creative Arts in the Faculty of Creative Arts, University of Wollongong, is wholly my own work unless otherwise referenced or acknowledged. The document has not been submitted for qualifications at any other academic institution. Catherine F Kay 27 October 2009 Table of Contents III Glossary IV Abstract V Acknowledgements VI Prologue VIII Introduction IX CHAPTER 1 Encounters with ni‐Vanuatu traditional and contemporary art in Port Vila 1 This chapter gives an overview of contemporary opportunities for viewing baskets in Port Vila, in museums, markets and galleries and provides a background to the processes of my research. CHAPTER 2 First Encounters in Vanuatu 11 Core concerns for island communities such as those in Vanuatu include an understanding of the multiplicity within island cultures, a developing relationship between genders and a situation of constant change and development in relation to dominant external influences.
    [Show full text]
  • World Bank Document
    Public Disclosure Authorized Public Disclosure Authorized Public Disclosure Authorized Public Disclosure Authorized Private SectorPrivate Development DIRECTIONS INDEVELOPMENT Analyzing ChallengestoEconomic Participation Chakriya Bowman, Jozefina Cutura, Amanda Ellis, and Clare Manuel andClare Amanda Ellis, Cutura, Chakriya Jozefina Bowman, Women in Vanuatu in Women 48458 Women in Vanuatu Women in Vanuatu Analyzing Challenges to Economic Participation Chakriya Bowman Jozefina Cutura Amanda Ellis Clare Manuel ©2009 The International Bank for Reconstruction and Development/The World Bank 1818 H Street, NW Washington, DC 20433 Telephone: 202-473-1000 Internet: www.worldbank.org E-mail: [email protected] All rights reserved 1 2 3 4 12 11 10 09 This volume is a product of the staff of the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development/The World Bank. The findings, interpretations, and conclusions expressed in this volume do not necessarily reflect the views of the Executive Directors of The World Bank or the governments they represent. The World Bank does not guarantee the accuracy of the data included in this work. The bound- aries, colors, denominations, and other information shown on any map in this work do not imply any judgment on the part of The World Bank concerning the legal status of any territory or the endorsement or acceptance of such boundaries. Rights and Permissions The material in this publication is copyrighted. Copying and/or transmitting portions or all of this work without permission may be a violation of applicable law. The International Bank for Reconstruction and Development/The World Bank encourages dissemination of its work and will normally grant permission to reproduce portions of the work promptly.
    [Show full text]
  • Making a Living in Vanuatu: Livelihoods and Development in Peri- Urban Port Vila
    Making a living in Vanuatu: Livelihoods and development in peri- urban Port Vila (Source: Author’s Fieldwork, 2012) Emily Leslie A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the degree of Master of Planning at the University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand. st 1 November 2012 Abstract In the Pacific Island country of Vanuatu, the majority of the population is involved in subsistence agriculture. However, through the processes of globalisation and urbanisation, people are increasingly moving to the capital city, and economic hub, of the country, Port Vila, to participate in education and the exchange of goods. This migration has led to the growth of peri-urban settlements, the expansion of existing villages, and a change from traditional lifestyles. Communities, who live in the peripheral areas of Port Vila, are often disadvantaged because they have limited infrastructure and social support from local authorities. Such people need to develop supportive livelihood strategies by diversifying the ways they earn a living. This study examines the livelihoods of people living in peri-urban Port Vila by identifying the main influences on peri-urban businesses. The field-based research conducted during June 2012, collected primary data from semi-structured interviews with family business owners, chiefs, local NGOs and key decision-makers. The results reveal that there are different opportunities for peri-urban village businesses and peri-urban informal settlements. People living within peri-urban villages have the opportunity to enter the tourism sector. The peri-urban informal settlements lack this opportunity, however, there are other prospects within the informal sector. NGOs, local authorities and community play important roles in supporting these businesses.
    [Show full text]
  • Deaf Ni-Vanuatu and Their Signs: a Sociolinguistic Study
    DEAF NI-VANUATU AND THEIR SIGNS: A SOCIOLINGUISTIC STUDY BY JACQUELINE GEORGA ISELI A Thesis submitted to Victoria University of Wellington In fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Arts in Linguistics by Thesis Victoria University of Wellington 2018 Abstract This thesis provides the first documentation and description of the signs created and used by deaf individuals in Vanuatu. The specific aims of this research were as follows: to establish the sociolinguistic context experienced by deaf people in Vanuatu; to identify the repertoire and characteristics of signs used by the deaf participants; to compare features of participants’ individual signs with the characteristics of home signs and emerging sign languages; and to consider the degree of similarity and potential similarity of signs between participants and how this reflects individuals’ opportunities for contact with other deaf people and signing interlocutors. The limitations of this study are that field methodology for data collection was developed in situ as conditions allowed. The sociolinguistic context for deaf Ni-Vanuatu confirms that language isolation leads to marginalisation from community and society. The study established that these home sign lexicons were limited in quantity and conceptual range, and that shared background knowledge was essential for comprehension. Overall, 22 handshapes were documented, and the predominant handshapes unmarked. Most participants preferred handling strategy for depicting signs. Some evidence of noun-verb distinction was noted in the repertoire of some participants. However, across this range of formational characteristics, results showed significant individual variations. Furthermore, multiple barriers have precluded development of a shared sign language and any form of deaf community.
    [Show full text]
  • Report of Meeting
    REPORT OF MEETING Pacific Platform for Disaster Risk Management Working Together for a Resilient Pacific 24 - 26 October 2016 Suva, Fiji Acknowledgements The United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNISDR) Sub-Regional Office for the Pacific and the Pacific Community (SPC) express their deep appreciation to the development partners that have provided financial support for the Pacific Platform for Disaster Risk Management: the European Union through the Building Safety and Resilience in the Pacific (BSRP) Project, the Pacific Community (SPC), Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), and the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ). Our thanks also goes to Australia for contributing core funding to the UNISDR Asia-Pacific Regional Office, which supports this important annual regional meeting of Pacific disaster risk management partners. In addition, UNISDR and SPC both express gratitude to the University of the South Pacific (USP) for coordinating volunteer support, and to all the volunteers for providing invaluable support. Finally, the support of the Government of Fiji was essential in organising the Pacific Platform for Disaster Risk Management, and we thank all our country and development partners in coming together each year to make the meeting possible. 1 Report of Meeting Contents Acronyms ........................................................................................................................................................ 3 Executive Summary ........................................................................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • A History of Samoan (LMS) Missionary Wives in the Western Pacific From
    Covenant Keepers: A History of Samoan (LMS) Missionary Wives in the Western Pacific from 1839 to 1979 A thesis submitted for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy of The Australian National University Latu Latai Copyright by Latu Latai, 2016 ii TABLE OF CONTENTS List of illustrations v Acknowledgements ix Abstract xiii INTRODUCTION 1 CHAPTER ONE: Covenant in the making: The arrival of Christianity in Samoa and the formation of Samoan missionary wives 33 CHAPTER TWO: The first wave: Early struggles in southern Vanuatu and the Loyalty Islands 1839–1869 79 CHAPTER THREE: Resistance and eventual success: Conversion in southern Vanuatu and the Loyalty Islands 117 CHAPTER FOUR: Singers of a new song: Success and Criticisms in Tuvalu and Kiribati 1865–1890 155 CHAPTER FIVE: The last frontier: PNG—a “dark” and “savage” mission field 1883–1933 199 CHAPTER SIX: The final wave: The project to “uplift” women in PNG 1933–1979 245 CONCLUSION 291 APPENDICES 299 Appendix 1 Samoan Missionaries and their Wives in Rotuma and Southern Vanuatu, 1839–1861 299 Appendix 2 Samoan Missionaries and their Wives in New Caledonia and Loyalty Islands, 1840–1869 302 Appendix 3 Samoan Missionaries and their Wives in Tuvalu, 1865–1966 304 Appendix 4 Samoan Missionaries and their Wives in Kiribati, 1865–1948 311 Appendix 5 Samoan Missionaries and their Wives in Tokelau, 1861–1958 318 Appendix 6 Samoan Missionaries and their Wives in Niue, 1849–1964 320 Appendix 7 Samoan Missionaries and their Wives in PNG and the Torres Strait, 1883–1979 321 BIBLIOGRAPHY 349 iii iv LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS Maps 1.
    [Show full text]
  • Contemporary Art in Port Vila, Vanuatu Lisa Ann Mcdonald
    Creating Kastom: Contemporary Art in Port Vila, Vanuatu Lisa Ann McDonald Doctor of Philosophy University of East Anglia Sainsbury Research Unit for the Arts of Africa, Oceania and the Americas September 2015 This copy of the thesis has been supplied on condition that anyone who consults it is understood to recognise that its copyright rests with the author and that use of any information derived there from must be in accordance with current UK Copyright Law. In addition, any quotation or extract must include full attribution. ABSTRACT This thesis explores the relationship between contemporary art and kastom in Port Vila, Vanuatu. Since the mid-1980s indigenous paintings, drawings, tapestries and sculptures have become prominent features of the urban visual landscape. By way of ethnological survey, this thesis examines current modes of production, circulation and reception to reveal the changing socio-cultural capital of these objects. Based on two periods of extended fieldwork, this research relies on participant observation, semi-structured interviews, studio and exhibition visits, written surveys and informal discussions for its primary data. Focusing on a core group of practicing artists who primarily belong to either the Nawita Contemporary Arts Association or the Red Wave Vanuatu Contemporary Arts Association, this thesis highlights the influences of island affiliation, kin networks and social relations upon the structure of the local artworld. Within the pluralistic matrix of town, artists adopt kastom as thematic content for their work. Representations of the chiefly body, dance routines, marriage ceremonies and traditional stories highlight the means by which makers creatively assert their cultural identity. Similarly, depictions that incorporate stylised icons and codified motifs convey the knowledge, status and entitlement held by different artists.
    [Show full text]