Kanak Culture

Kanak Carving::New Caledonia, South Pacific::
Kanak Carving
Kanak Hut in Gadji::New Caledonia, South Pacific::
Kanak Hut in Gadji
Statue of Jesus::New Caledonia, South Pacific::
Statue of Jesus
St Maurice Bay Carvings #1::New Caledonia, South Pacific::
St Maurice Bay Carvings #1

With almost 40% of New Caledonian population that is of European descent traditional Melanesian culture is slowly disappearing. French government supports “western” style of living that is based on consumption of goods and commerce, so unfamiliar to people of the Pacific. The first whale hunters arrived, bringing the unknown diseases. Then missionaries came and destroyed almost all the native artifacts, eradicated local practices and traditions. Later came settlers and took their land. Kanaks, native people of New Caledonia are loosing their identity. The only chance for Kanak culture to survive is in their greater autonomy, in country that they will probably call Kanaky.

St Maurice Bay Carvings #2::New Caledonia, South Pacific::
St Maurice Bay Carvings #2
Kanak Hut #2::New Caledonia, South Pacific::
Kanak Hut #2
Kanak Hut #1::New Caledonia, South Pacific::
Kanak Hut #1
Church in Vao::New Caledonia, South Pacific::
Church in Vao

© 2006 Maciej Swulinski