Vanuatu, Santo, Tasiriki, Unloading at Sunset

Transport on the west coast of Santo is by boat. Here produce from further north is delivered to Tasiriki to, in turn, be delivered to the market in Luganville by truck. People work together to get it unloaded before dark.

John Frum, 2017

In 2017 The John Frum Cargo Cult changed in its focus somewhat, becoming less about future material expectations and more about a return to traditional governance, as different to, but possibly working with, the democratic government. In this sense, it is returning to its anti-colonial roots, but with new allies.

Vanuatu, Erromango, Dillon’s Bay (William’s Bay), Children

Vanuatu, Tanna, Enefa, Canoe and Sunlight

Vanuatu, Tanna, Enefa, Fishing with Bow and Arrow, Reef and Sky

Fishing on the reef with bow and arrow

Vanuatu, Erromango, Dillon’s Bay (William’s Bay), Girl with Whistle

Vanuatu, Tanna, Middle Bush, One Week Old

This baby was named Holyfield – after the boxer

Vanuatu, Tanna, Lolumpaeu, Newborn Baby

Vanuatu, Tanna, Lolumpaeu, Elderly Lady

This portrait of Elo Kouteng was taken within two years of her death. She was the wife of the first missionary to North-West Tanna and outlived him and one other husband. Her son is a deacon, her grandson is a pastor, and she is a great-grandmother to many. She lived her last days peacefully, looked after by her family. Her family believed that she was 120 years old when she died, and would like people to remember that she depended on God, her prayer life was strong, she knew many hymns by heart, read the Bible every day in the old language translation, that she called people back to the church and spread the gospel.

Vanuatu, Aniwa, Young Man with Cigarette, Modern and Traditional

Behind the scenes at a reenactment of John G Paton’s landing on Aniwa

Vanuatu, Tanna, Mt Yasur Volcano 2

Vanuatu, Tanna, John Frum 2016 5

A John Frum movement leader 2016. Dressed in USA military uniform to pay homage to the assistance that movement leaders perceive that they were given by American soldiers during WW2.

Vanuatu, Efate, Erakor, Blue House

Vanuatu, Tanna, Mt Yasur Volcano 3

Vanuatu, Tanna, Iuwan, Woman and mosquito net in a cave

Vanuatu, Tanna, North Tanna, Kastom Dance

Before walking on fire. This man is about to ‘walk on fire,’ which in this case means having someone chew up, and then spit, leaves onto his feet before he stands on a very hot rock.

Vanuatu, Paama, Children enjoying evening swim

Vanuatu, Tanna, Football

Football starts in the village. Playing football with an improvised ball made from part of a palm tree

Vanuatu, Tanna, Canoe at Sunset 2

Coming home over the reef

Vanuatu, Santo, Tasiriki, Sunset Silhouettes

Skipping at Sunset. The Marine Reach ship, MV Pacific Hope, is in the Background.