Kastom Dances

Kastom Dances #5::Kastom Dances, Vanuatu, South Pacific::
Kastom Dances #5
Kastom Dances #2::Kastom Dances, Vanuatu, South Pacific::
Kastom Dances #2
Boy from Tanna::Kastom Dances, Vanuatu, South Pacific::
Boy from Tanna
Kastom Dances #7::Kastom Dances, Vanuatu, South Pacific::
Kastom Dances #7
Kastom Dances #1::Kastom Dances, Vanuatu, South Pacific::
Kastom Dances #1
Kastom Dances #6::Kastom Dances, Vanuatu, South Pacific::
Kastom Dances #6

In the end on 19th century Presbyterian missionaries on Tanna Island, Vanuatu created set of rules called Tanna Law. They wanted to destroy the foundation of traditional society. Festivals, rituals, dances and cannibalism were banned. "New order" was the western style of living and dressing. Local people could not accept this. In the beginning of 1940's Christian communities on Tanna collapsed. Villagers came to their roots and chose kastom, their traditional way of living. Today, there are many places to see kastom on Tanna. Various traditional ceremonies take place unplanned, when villagers decide, but throughout the year visitors are still able to see some kastom dances performed like centuries ago.

Kastom Dances #3::Kastom Dances, Vanuatu, South Pacific::
Kastom Dances #3
Tanna Villagers::Kastom Dances, Vanuatu, South Pacific::
Tanna Villagers
Kastom Dances #8::Kastom Dances, Vanuatu, South Pacific::
Kastom Dances #8
Kastom Dances #4::Kastom Dances, Vanuatu, South Pacific::
Kastom Dances #4
Boys from Tanna::Kastom Dances, Vanuatu, South Pacific::
Boys from Tanna

© 2006 Maciej Swulinski