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Banen Bay, Malakula Island

            Anthropologists have been studying Malakula Island for years. It is the home of the Big Nambas, the tribe that formerly lived in the hills in the North, and the Small Nambas, the tribe that lives in the Southern coastal area.  The Big Nambas, named after their penis sheaths, made war at the slightest provocation. Notwithstanding the influence of Christianity, they still believe in sorcery. Old men can be seen who have elongated heads, a result of having rings placed on their skulls as youths.      

The Small Nambas lived in the Southeast and have been not quite as fierce. They allow their women to go through a series of steps to achieve political power, similar to the steps followed by the men, but never achieving as high a status. Small Namba women who reach high steps have the privilege of having their two front teeth ceremoniously knocked out with a rock. Although some women we have seen simply lacked good dental hygiene, we have seen enough who lack the same teeth to conclude that they have been through the ceremony! 

            At Banen Bay we witnessed a village traditional dance by the Small Nambas, followed by a dance by the women of the village. Of course, the women were not allowed to be anywhere near the sacred place that the men danced, or even to watch.

Older warriors formed the percussion group	Younger warriors
	Some liked to scare the audience
The hats are masks	The women seemed less pleased about the performance

Little ones joined in

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