Ambrym & Pentecost Islands, Vanuatu, South Pacific
This place is so National Geographic. The southern part of the Pentecost Island is best known for originating land diving. Land diving is performed from crudely built wooden towers ranging in height from 20-30 meters (66-100 feet). The men dive head first from varying heights. They have only two ripe vines (one tied to each angle). It’s reported that the g-force experienced by the divers at the lowest point in the dive (assuming of course the ground isn’t hit first) is the greatest in the non-industrialized world. Villagers believe that diving can, among other things ensure a successful annual yam harvest. On another note, the ceremonial garments worn by the male villagers is particularly interesting.
The landing site for the morning’s ritual dance performance.These little villagers are almost always eager to pose with visitors. The girl in the middle, maybe not so much. She has a very suspicious look. It might be more likely that it is directed at the photographer, rather than the woman in the photo.This little boy with the pensive expression is lost in thought, probably because of the strangely dressed visitors coming to his secluded and quiet island paradise. Some part of him probably thinks the visitors are as alien as those from a spaceship, instead of a modern expedition cruise ship.This is typical of the living space that the islanders have. Obviously, not a lot of plumbing. While the larger villages (not on this island) have electricity, this village has very little. Not too many architectural controls either.One of the main players. What stands out in this photo? And there are quite obviously two things. First, the ceremonial dance-wear adorning his north pointing “manhood.” The second is the juxtaposition of his choice of shoewear. He is so clearly proud of these high-tops he can barely stop smiling. Also worth noting is the watch. It’s the only one I saw any villager wearing. I just wonder if he has to be on time for anything. Here is the dancing ensemble gearing up for today’s performance. Again, those white high-tops look so out of place. Everyone else is shoeless.The other dancers are in full in costume mode. Pictured here is the crudely constructed wooden tower. This tower is between 80-90 feet high. The villagers to the right are the singers, almost appearing like a cheerleading squad. (These villagers did not perform anything like the “Village People” doing YMCA.) It was a cappella except for clapping. They sang and danced during all 11 of today’s dives. The villagers believe that diving enhances the divers health and strength. That is unless his head hits the ground first. Then all the good health enhancements end right there. Happy to say that there were no head-plants this day, just some extremely pulled hips, knees. and other joints. While most divers walked off still fueled by their adrenaline rush, a couple of divers had trouble walking after getting to their feet.This particularly ripped diver is amping up the crowd before he prays for a bountiful harvest and of course, more importantly, a successful dive. No way does he wish to end up with his head between his shoulders. These villagers are saying good-bye after none of the 11 divers were killed or severely injured in today’s event. I’m sure all those smiles would look like something else had the outcome been different.A selfie with our Captain on the way back to the ship.Kids playing on the beach at the end of the day. It’s so beautiful and so innocent. Soon it will be “lights out” if there were any. A simple. yet fulfilling and happy way of life. The question that I ask myself is, if the life experience is measured by happiness, who is better off? Villagers like the ones I experienced today, or city dwellers in the modern world? Parting sunset after a day filled with interesting and crazy events.
Hope you click in to the next entry. Not sure it will be as colorful and crazy as this one was. Be well until then.
