/24-7PressRelease/ - PORT VILA, VANUATU, July 29, 2008 - The tropical islands of the 83 island archipelago of Vanuatu, is the birth place of Extreme Sport. The Pentecost land dive was born in the mists of time in Vanuatu.
James A Michener found his inspiration for his book, the origin of the classical musical Rodgers and Hammerstein's 1958 film, South Pacific, in the islands of Vanuatu. The Television rehash of the original classic, in 2001, never found favor with the viewing public.
Vanuatu rose to the forefront once again, in 2006, when it was voted the Happiest Country on Earth.
The grave site of Chief Roy Mata, where it is believed more than 20 wives were buried live with the king, was recently granted world heritage status.
As world finance reels like a drunken sailor, parts of Vanuatu remain untouched. Specially grown pig tusks, intricately plaited ceremonial mats and even sacred stones, form the local currency.
Yet, Vanuatu is once again sitting in the world spotlight, with its recent release of unique and traditionally well hidden art work, from the northern island of Ambrym. The work could well be mistaken for contemporary pieces of art. There are no pieces like the Vanuatu art in the museums of Europe and America. Only one similar piece was found in a museum in Britain.
Towering high over the head of the tourist, the wooden carved slit gongs go virtually unnoticed. With up to tfive heads carved on the gongs, they are among the largest free standing musical instruments on earth.
Few visitors realize the connection of the impressive, sometimes four meter high gongs, to the secrets of Vanuatu society. The stylized carved form of the gong representing the people's ancestors, The eyes representing the morning star of society that has traditionally kept its secrets well hidden from the eyes of the world.
Beating the lip of the gong with a small wooden club, informal village orchestras performed rhythmical ensembles of immense variety and complexity. The music beaten out through carefully coordinated actions by multiple drummers.
Not only were the carved gongs used in sacred ceremonies such as initiations, funerals and dances, but also to communicate between neighboring villages.
By releasing some of their secret and sacred artifacts to the world, the Chiefs of Vanuatu hope to bring about a renewed awareness of their ancient culture.
The Chiefs of Vanuatu are aware that education of the younger generation is the only way to preserve their ancient ways. Very few young people have any knowledge of the intricate art of the language of the gong.
It is hoped the beginning of the sharing of their secrets, will bring about a change in the desperate need to educate the next generation. You can take an active part in helping educate the next generation of these beautiful and ancient people. For further information contact Wendy at YouMe Support Foundation, (youmesupport.org) one of the foundations determined to help the people of Vanuatu move forward on the education front.
About YouMe Support Foundation
YouMe Support Foundation, Vanuatu, a non-profit making charity, was founded in 2007. YouMe Support Foundation provides non-repayable higher education grants to children from geographically and economically underprivileged areas. YouMe Support Foundation is offering a Blue Moon Opportunity on the Internet in order to assist these children.
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