Liz Ebengo

In my project, I aimed to capture the culture of Vanuatu through a special artifact representing the island's women, their vibrant food, materials, and sounds. During my research, I discovered the tale of one of the last female cultivator of Musa Balbisiana, a type of wild banana with seeds, on the remote Island of Épi. She embodied perseverance and custodianship by nurturing the rare plant. Her melodic compositions echoed the spirit of the land. Immortalizing her song in the DNA of the very plant she cultivates is not only a tribute to the resilient spirit, vibrant heritage, and unique contributions of Épi's women, but also a celebration of the rich cultural tapestry of Vanuatu.

The absence of legislation legally obligating states to safeguard cultures in the face of the climate crisis is a concerning reality. Furthermore, existing migration policies leave the protection of the women's cultural heritage vulnerable.

Image Credits: Tom Manion 

Image Credits: Tom Manion 

Image Credits: Tom Manion 

Bananas have been found in Vanuatu for centuries. Vanuatu is located in the South Pacific and is home to various banana species. Bananas are believed to have been introduced to Vanuatu by early Austronesian settlers who arrived in the region around 3,000 years ago. These settlers brought with them the knowledge and cultivation techniques for growing bananas.

Bananas have since become an essential part of the local diet and economy in Vanuatu. They are grown throughout the islands and are a significant agricultural product. The fertile volcanic soils and tropical climate of Vanuatu provide ideal conditions for banana cultivation.

It's important to note that bananas are not native to Vanuatu but were introduced by human settlers. The cultivation and consumption of bananas have a long history in the region, contributing to the cultural and culinary traditions of Vanuatu.

Image Credits: Andrea Monica D. Ortiz

The intersection of women, migration, and the loss of culture serves as a focal point in this project. By exploring the experiences of women who will undergo migration as an act of adaptation to climate change, I delve into the profound impact it has on their cultural identities. The process of migration often entails leaving behind familiar traditions, practices, and social structures, leading to a significant loss of cultural heritage. Through this lens, I aim to shed light on the complex dynamics between women, migration, and the subsequent erosion of their cultural roots.

Open-source investigative techniques were employed to meticulously search the internet for evidence showcasing the loss of culture in Vanuatu. These techniques proved invaluable in unearthing the story of the central figure, a woman who holds a pivotal role in this project. By leveraging open-source methods, I was able to piece together fragments of information from various online sources, shedding light on the narrative surrounding her and the cultural heritage being eroded in Vanuatu. 

(This woman in the image is not the woman central to the narrative, she has chosen to remain anonymous)

Image Credit: Cavan Images