Ambrym
The
Ambrym
owes its name to Captain Cook
who anchored off there in 1774. It means
“here are yams”
(ham rim in Ranon language).
When you go inland, you will be struck by the greenish vegetation (a sort
of moss) which covers the ancient
lava flows.
Ambrym is first and foremost the “black” island because of
its volcanic ash and because of its 'black magic' steeped in
mystery.
In the villages, the ancient customs play a significant part
in day to day living. The “Man blong Majik” are treated with
the utmost respect and practise sorcery and magic beyond all
imaginings. In addition to the two volcanoes which you can
visit by helicopter in one day, taking off from Port Vila,
Ambrym prides itself on some unique characteristics, such as
the sculpted tamtams, sand-drawing, fern masks and local
dances.
The sculpted tamtams (or
slit gongs)
Ambrym is famous for its magnificent tamtams sculpted out of
tree trunks. They are the most impressive items of art in
Vanuatu.
The dancing areas in the traditional villages are decorated
with these slit gongs, planted in the ground, which can
measure several metres high. They are used to beat the rythm
for the singing and dancing during ceremonial rituals.
Some are used for decorative purposes in hotel reception
halls or gardens, in private residences and in some offices
or gardens of the Government.
The volcanoes
Mt Benbow (1160 m) and Mt Marum (1270 m) volcanoes are
constantly making their presence felt. They are located in
the middle of the island and form a huge caldeira some 10 to
12 km diameter.
Successive eruptions in 1913, 1929, 1937, 1946, 1950 and
1979 caused a lot of damage. The villages to the south were
evacuated and the people settled on Efate (at the village of
Melemaat).
The lava flows and ash dust which surround the two volcanoes
give the landscape a moon-like aspect. And the sight is
breathtaking (you need a guide and permission from the
custom chief).
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