In southern Pentecost, the locals believe Naghol (land diving) will bring them a fruitful yam harvest, good health, and prosperity to the community. In addition, Naghol is an act of courage for the men and a right of passage for the young boys to enter manhood.
Be sure to read Part I of our Naghol / Land Diving Series called “Naghol, the Birth of Bungee Jumping.”
Please be aware that there is nudity in some of the images below.
Ceremony Day
We had several of our cruising friends join us for this monumental occasion. We all anchored in Wali Bay on the southern end of Pentecost. From our anchorage we could see the tower – how exciting!
We arrive on shore to a beautiful welcome display created by Elleen Wano, the Londot Village spokesperson. If you are in the area during April, May or June and want to see this spectacular ceremony, contact Elleen Wano (elleenwano66@gmail.com) or phone +678.766.1274, +678.567.3932.
She gave a beautiful welcome speech, a highlight of her village, Londot, and a brief history of Naghol.
Then we all made our way up to the tower. I was so excited and nervous and overjoyed to be able to witness this rare public display of the Vanuatuan culture. The dancers are from the Bunlop Kastom village (settlements, without modern technology who try to live as their ancestors did hundreds of years ago). Traditionally, the women do not wear anything over their breasts, but many opted to cover themselves with leaves for modesty in front of the tourists,
Just as we are all getting settled on the side of the hill, as nobody wanted to sit on the benches down below (except the locals), the Bunlop Kastam singers and dancers started chanting.
The men are dressed in their traditional nambas (penis sheath) and they hold sticks. The women are dressed in grass skirts and some have leaves covering their breasts (but traditionally they are bare chested).
The namba is a leaf that is wrapped around the penis, then around the waist. They are easily removed and replaced throughout the day.
The men and women chant and sing during the entire ceremony. They provide strength and support to the jumpers and praise to their gods.
The chief of Bunlop Kastom Village was also the constructor of this tower. He oversaw the entire ceremony and stood by the tower as each jumper leapt off their platform.
First Jumper: 6 year old Boy
The first jumper was a 6 year old boy who jumped off the first platform. He did not seem to phased by the height or the incredible feat he was about to perform. He bravely stepped forward and leapt off the platform.
Second Jumper: 12 year old Boy
The second jumper was a 12 year old boy. This was his first jump and unfortunately the fear took over. It took him quite awhile to actually take the plunge and when he did – he did not jump properly. He tucked his feet under him and jumped in a seated position which garnered lots of laughs from the locals. The real problem was he could have been seriously injured as he did not have the proper form, but in the end he was alright.
Third Jumper: Mid-20 year old
Our third jumper was much more experienced, had perfect form, and received lots of applause. He truly is head first into the ground and somehow he walks away uninjured.
Fourth Jumper: Mid-30 year old
Now the fourth jumper went to the 2nd tallest platform and managed to do a little show boating prior to his jump. He waived his arms in the air as he praised his gods and chanted along with the singers just before he plunged to the ground.
Final Jumper: The Champion
There is a Naghol champion and he belongs to the Bunlop Kastom village. We had the extreme pleasure of seeing him jump and he did not disappoint. He casually walks out to the edge of the platform as he addresses the crowd and praises his gods. He chants and sings and manages to balance on the edge of the platform for well over 2 minutes.
Then with expert precision, he dives straight off the platform (horizontal to the floor), before gravity takes over and he goes head first toward the ground. He does appear to be a little phased once he is helped up and walks away. But, in the end he was fine and the spectators were enraptured by his jump. Elleen, the spokesperson was saying how the villagers would be talking about this dive for a very long time. It is understandable why he is the champion of the Pentecost land diving (Naghol).
Matt Climbs the Tower
After the ceremony, they allowed the male tourists to climb the tower. I was really hoping to be able to do so as well but that was not happening. Matt said that the branches were a bit rickety and wobbled a bit, but he was able to climb to the top for the view.
Matt’s view from the top of the tower looking out and down.
Meeting the Bunlop chief and performers.
We caught up with the ladies. I wish they did not have a frown on their faces as they have lovely smiles, but alas that is not their way. They were absolutely curious to see the photos afterwards and giggled as I showed them (bottom left photo).
Matt and Rena enjoying the ceremony. Elleen, in the red and white dress behind Rena, looking over all of the guests and ensuring their safety and enjoyment.
It was an absolutely memorable experience! We hope that you enjoyed this blog, learned little something along the way, and are as impressed with these brave young men from the Bunlop Kastom village as we were.
Don’t miss Part I of our Naghol / Land Diving series. Our blog posts run 10-12 weeks behind actual live events. This blog post occurred toward the end of June.