Pentecost chiefs to halt Nangol exploitation

Written by Hilaire Bule Thursday, 10 February 2011 17:43

Pentecost Island chiefs are planning to halt exploitation of their traditional Nangol (land diving) by reducing the ceremonies.They want the number of weekly land diving ceremonies cut from three to one.

The recent annual meeting of South Pentecost Council of chiefs, Malbangbang resolved to return the nangol ceremonies to its traditional values.

The grand chief of Nangol from custom village of Bunlap in South Pentecost who is also the chairman of Malbangbang, chief Liusbangbang Telkon Watas said that his council had decided Malbangbang is to be the sole controller and decision making custom body of nangol.

He said Malbangbang has decided to take over the control of Nangol following last year's decision of South Pentecost Tourism Council to hold three ceremonies each week for the visitors.

Chiefs from Southern part of the islands have described the decision of SPTC as 'prostitution' of their tradition.

They said that three ceremonies per week was putting their environment at risk because people have to cut down more trees and vines to built the tower for each ceremony.

Chief Telkon said it was now time for tour operators to cooperate with chiefs to preserve the traditional values of Nangol which is linked with the harvest of yams.

He warned that Malbangbang will not hesitate to take action against the government, National Tourism Office and other stakeholders if they don't cooperate with them.

This action could include stopping tourists coming to Pentecost for the land diving.

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Pentecost chiefs to halt Nangol exploitation

Written by Hilaire Bule Thursday, 10 February 2011 17:43

The Nangol ceremony, which is only practiced by the people of South Pentecost, is one of Vanuatu's most traditional events and attracts thousands of visitors each year during its season.

A few years ago, the Vanuatu Cultural Centre banned commercial Nangol ceremonies following the death of a local cameraman, Hardy Ligo.

Mr Ligo died during the filming of a Nangol ceremony by a foreign television company. The chiefs of South Pentecost claimed that the incident happened as a result of lack of respect of its traditional values. The chiefs said that ceremony was held outside the season.

During the harvest of the yam, the vines that are used to built the tower and support the jumpers contain water and are supple which helps keep the jumpers safe

Outside the season, the vines are dried and could easily break under the weight of the jumpers.

The Nangol season is from April 20 to May 30 each year.

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