Land Diving in Pentecost Island, Vanuatu
Observations
- The men are the ones who participate in this ritual of land diving. They jump from a platform on a tall wooden structure with vines tied to their feet, their arms crossed in front of their chest, and their heads tucked. At the bottom of the tower, other men help the divers to get up after they land.
- The men are wearing a sheath around their penis as the main, or only, piece of clothing.
- Women and young children participate in the ritual by singing and dancing. The women are wearing grass skirts and are bare-breasted.
- The ritual takes place in the jungle. Trees surround the tower, and the soil at the foot of the tower appears to be tilled.
Conclusions
- Based on the video, land diving is not a sporting event or a leisurely activity but is an essential part of the culture. The participation of the whole village underscores the importance. The men are the ones participating in the dives. The women and children also contribute by singing and dancing. The songs and dances add to the ritual’s atmosphere and may also offer motivation to the divers.
- After watching the video, it was evident that this tribe’s lifestyle is inspired by their immediate environment, which is the forest. For example, the primary construction material for the tower is wood, which is probably cut from the trees. Instead of ropes, they use vines to hold the woods of the structure together. The vines are also tied around the diver’s ankles. The forest also provides Their clothing. The women wear grass skirts, and leaves are worn by the kids and some men as decorations.
References
National Geographic. (2014). Amazing POV: Jump With the Original Bungee Jumpers | National Geographic [Video]. Retrieved 20 August 2020, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d6hXnYW_2ac.