SAND DRAWINGS OF VANUATU : An Indigenous Artform: An Indigenous Artform

By Andrew, Sally

Book Id: WPLBN0100750248
Format Type: PDF (eBook)
File Size: 4.45 MB.
Reproduction Date: 5/30/24

Title:	SAND DRAWINGS OF VANUATU : An Indigenous Artform: An Indigenous Artform
Author:	Andrew, Sally
Volume:
Language:	English
Subject:	Non Fiction, Fine Arts, Sand Drawings in Vanuatu
Collections:	Authors Community, Adventure
Historic Publication Date:
Publisher:	Sally Andrew

Member Page:	Sally Andrew
Citation APA MLA Chicago Andrew, S., & G, F. (n.d.). SAND DRAWINGS OF VANUATU : An Indigenous Artform. Retrieved from http://gutenberg.cc/

Description
I have been fascinated by these designs since our first visit to Vanuatu. We were extremely lucky that people on the islands of Pentecost, Maewo and Ambrym shared several with us. I proved a ready student and quick learner, much to my (and their) amazement. One night on the island of Pentecost, quietly and within a circle of soft lantern light, we met a young man Jeffrey. He showed us two variations of the "Kava Platter", a new frame for drawing "Double Canoe" and a variation on "Strong Stone". On an earlier visit, my teacher at Loltong had been Laiza, a young lady who had learned the art form from her father.

Summary
Sand drawing as a cultural art form is seldom shared with outsiders. The designs are unique to Vanuatu and are used to illustrate tales and to hand-down kastom knowledge. Often these sand drawings illustrate legends, songs, or ceremonies. Although some are simple, most are complex line designs drawn in the ashes of a fire (or dirt, or sand) with a finger that is never lifted from the ground.

Excerpt
... Afterwards, Foster drinks kava with the men, striking up a conversation with Jeffrey, a Francophone boy from "on top" (the island's interior) who knows several sand drawings. Sand drawing is one of Vanuatu's unique cultural art forms, seldom shared with outsiders, so Foster quickly fetches me. I have been fascinated by these designs since our first visit to Vila. Within a circle of soft lantern light, Jeffrey shows us two variations of the "Kava Platter", a new frame for drawing "Double Canoe" and a variation on "Strong Stone". On an earlier visit, my teacher at Loltong had been Laiza, a young lady who had learned the art form from her father. Sand drawings are unique to Vanuatu and are used to illustrate tales and to hand-down kastom knowledge. Often they illustrate legends, songs or ceremonies. Though some are simple, most are complex line designs drawn in the ashes of a fire (or dirt, or sand) with a finger that is never lifted from the ground. The people of Pentecost, Maewo and Ambrym shared several with us, and I proved a ready student and quick learner, much to my (and their) amazement. During the solar installation process many people ask "How many lights?" A couple of guys have big dreams and are trying to figure out if the panel could run a VCR or refrigerator, not that either of those two appliances are available in the village. (A VCR and generator occasionally make an appearance for a while, before inevitably breaking down.) You have to understand, like most villages outside the capital, Loltong is very traditional and dependent on local resources. Women cook over open wood fires, hut floors are earth or coral, and the garden is their only grocery store. Families live as they have always lived - off the grid. Ni-Vanuatu have a wonderful expression for sunset - san i draon. - the time when the sun drowns. Now, when the sun drowns, at least one hut in Loltong can flip a switch!

Table of Contents
Preface Introduction Bwatui from Pentecost Borogai from Pentecost Gahi from Pentecost Avua (Turtle) from Maewo and Pentecost Vatgarabihu (Strong Stone) from Pentecost Vatagele Dam Vwari from Pentecost Birds and Breadfruit - from Pentecost and Ambrym Flying Fox Wild Mountain Apple Tree Butterfly from Ambrym Double Canoe Heart from Ambrym Green Snail from Ambrym Sand Drawing at Loltong, Pentecost Island Sand Drawing at Asanvare, Maewo Island Photo Collection