MALEKULA island
About Malekula...Air Vanuatu flies to Norsup seven days a week, to Lamap
(Mondays and Fridays) and to SW Bay (Mondays and Thursdays).
Malekula is the second largest island in Vanuatu and the most diverse
linguistically and culturally. More than 30 languages are spoken on this
island. A population of 20,000 inhabitants lives mainly on the coast and
almost 1,000 people live in the rugged bush of the interior.
Malekula is also the home of the Small Nambas and the famous Big Nambas.
The Big Nambas were the least affected by the white settlers because of
their reputation as cannibals and fierce warriors. Malekula was always a
favourite amongst anthropologists in the 20th century. Culture has been
very well preserved in Malekula and is the case with the other northern
islands of Vanuatu; it is home to one of the rarest megalithic cultures
in the world.
Bougainville sailed in May 1768 between Santo and Malekula and named the
passage the “Bougainville Strait”. Captain Cook landed in the South-West
area but did not stay long. Malekula was settled by the Europeans in the
early 19th century despite the absence of sandalwood. Much of the
eastern coastal land was cleared for the coconut plantations.
Nimagki grades are strictly followed in the south-west Malekula and
among the Big Nambas in the north. The young men in the South-West Bay
have around 35 grades to pass in the process of becoming a big man or a
chief. Traditionally, power is transferred to the eldest son; it is the
only tribe in the island with hereditary chiefs.
Big Nambas The name refers to the sheath wrapped around the islander’s
penis. The Big Nambas wear a large mass of purple pandanus fibres held
by a very thick bark belt. Their reputation as fierce warriors prevented
foreigners from venturing into their territory in the early 20th
century. This lack of contact helped them to survive all epidemics until
the early 1930’s.
 Small Nambas From south central
Malekula and whose “kastom” ways are
still very much alive. Their name refers to the size of the leaves they
use as nambas. Men and women live apart in the central villages. In the
mountains, the village is built around the dancing place with standing
tamtams, a funeral platform or “dolmen” (for sacrifice and pig killing).
It is tabu for the women to penetrate to the dance area. They live
elsewhere in their communal hut.
Arts & handicrafts Very colourful and outstanding headdress/masks are
made in South Malekula, as well as impressive tree fern figures.
2 nights/ 3 days packages
at Rose Bay Bungalows
All Tours are conducted by a local tour guide to small Nambas custom
village Drums will beat to announce your arrival where you will
experience ritual dances very well preserved by the members of the
tribe.
Visit to the chiefs Nakamal and the dancing ground called Nasara to see
their giant wooden slit drums
Visit to witness the masters carvers and its ritual figures and other
will be on display for purchase.
Half day tour to Rano Island an adventure
ride on a local sailing canoe where you will experience the real village
life of Potora and a short visit to the Nasara (Ceremonial ground) where
you guide will give an insight history and secret of the island.
TREKKING in Malekula: 2 night /3 days
packages including the following
Malekula - Trekking in the hills through pristine rivers across the
Island. Visit custom villages and experience life with the Small and big
nambas and very isolated communities with very little western influence.
Spend a night with the locals or camping near rivers
(high level fitness required)
Back to the Top
|
|
Islands
Special Events
General
|
