Explore the rich and diverse cultural tapestry of Vanuatu, from ancient customs and languages to unique ceremonies and daily life guided by 'kastom'.
Listen — all 5 episodes free
0
Kastom: Vanuatu's Ancient Living Law
This series, Echoes of Kastom, explores the living traditions of Vanuatu — a Pacific archipelago where ancient customs aren't relics but active forces shaping everyday…
0:00
1
Slit Gongs and Stories in Motion
Vanuatu's slit gongs, called tam-tams, are carved from entire tree trunks and can stand over four meters tall — some are so culturally significant they appear on the…
0:00
2
Kava Roots Run Deep in Vanuatu
Kava is one of the few psychoactive substances in the world that reduces anxiety without impairing mental clarity.
0:00
3
Jumping From Towers With Vine Ankles
Every April through June on Pentecost Island, men climb wooden towers as tall as thirty meters and leap headfirst toward the ground with nothing but forest vines lashed…
0:00
4
Pig Tusks and Carved Power Objects
In parts of Vanuatu, a pig's lower canine teeth are deliberately knocked out so the upper tusks grow unopposed, curving in a full circle over seven or more years.
0:00