Malaita

Many of the photos from Malaita are of a "custom village" situated on an artificial island built in a shallow lagoon by dumping rocks and coral until the area is great enough to build a village. This type of artificial island was used in the past to help protect a village from surprise attack. The people in the village I visited had rejected the more modern lifestyle adopted by most people on the island and returned to the old ways, though fortunately not to the warrior culture of the past. They allowed small groups of tourists to visit their island to make a bit of extra money. They were mostly self-sufficient.

The welcoming committee. This was a traditional way to welcome visitors, shell necklaces are      presented to the people.

The women paddled around our replica war canoe telling the spirits of the ancestors that protect the island not to harm us as we are friends.

The replica war canoe that took us to the island from Malaita harbour.

. Lunchtime entertainment. A traditional dance performed by the village women.

  The orchestra accompanying the dance.

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