We were in the Republic of Vanuatu in search of Female Chiefs of Maewo Island. We heard Vanuatu is considered one of the happiest places on Earth and now we know why. Here's who we met...
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Maewo Island in Vanuatu is a vibrant and lush tropical island in the South Pacific. Female cultural leaders on Maewo Island, known as Notari, are responsible for maintaining and sharing important aspects of traditional Kastom (or Custom) laws.
To become a Notari (which is sometimes called Ngotari), a women or girl is required to go through a lengthy ceremony known as "making Lengwasa", which requires a complex series of rituals over several days.
The women we met were wearing traditional mats, or dresses, which are hand-woven with distinctive patterns which are sometimes tied to family lines.
This older Notari woman wears a single feather in her hair in recognition of her stature and seniority.
Gregory is a 1st-level chief on Maewo Island who earned his title by participating in a traditional pig killing ceremony when he was younger. He's holding his hand-carved walking stick.
Other chiefs participated in the All Island Cultural Festival wearing traditional dress and parade costumes made of enormous palm fronds and flowers.
The villagers we met in Maewo were gracious and welcoming to our Female Chiefs of Maewo Expedition. They generously shared insight into their Kastom laws and we'll be helping preserve their knowledge for future generations.
