P’tites Annonces · VanuatuVanuatu

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In the Melanesian Pacific, Vanuatu brings together volcanic and coral islands where languages and practices differ substantially between communities. Efate, Tanna, Espiritu Santo and the northern islands each have particular histories. Kastom refers to inherited knowledge and customs involving ceremonies, social relationships and connections to ancestors. It is not an identical repertoire across the archipelago. Sand drawing combines lines, stories and memory: a continuous movement may communicate knowledge as well as create a graphic form. Carving, dance and exchanges of valued objects add other expressions. Kava and the nakamal gathering place provide settings for conversation and collective life in several contexts. Cooking uses root crops, coconut and ingredients available on each island. Laplap brings grated ingredients together in leaf wrapping for slow cooking; simboro encloses a preparation in leaves before cooking. Markets in Port Vila and Luganville connect gardens with towns. Preparing a substantial dish together maintains relationships while allowing different communities to preserve their own recipes, ingredients and approaches to sharing.