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Big
Nambas
 Their specialty was tribal warfare, which would flare up at
the least provocation. They would cease after killing 3 or 4
opponents and would then celebrate, finishing off with a
repast in which their victims often figured on the menu. It
was standard practice for a village chief to have several
wives, and even some young men, to satisfy his carnal
appetite.
Young boys undergo a circumcision ceremony in order to
become men.
Smol Nambas
In the village, the men would sleep in one house, the “amel”
while the women and children would sleep all together in
another house.
It was the Smol Nambas who introduced the practice of
elongating the heads on young men, and is a particular
characteristic unique to this area of Vanuatu.
Accommodation and visiting the
island
There are several options in Malakula by way of bungalow
accommodation : Rose Bay Bungalows (Tel. 48602), Island
Safari (Tel. 26779); Alo Lodge, which is 100 m away from the
airstrip at South-West Bay; Banam Bay Bungalows, 30 km north
of Lamap, and the Local Government Council at Lakatoro,
(Tel. 48491). Norsup is a substantial
village with a store, a post office and a market on
Wednesdays and Saturdays.
Lakatoro used to be an administrative centre for the British
Administration and lies 5 km to the south. A bit further
north lie the islands of Rano, Wala, Atchin and Vao.
To see the Big Nambas, you will have to go up to the
north-western coast at Potovaro, Tenmaru or Amokh. If you
are travelling south, don't miss Lamap which is a charming
little village, at one time the 3rd major city in Vanuatu in
Condominium times. From there you have a wonderful view of
the volcanoes on Ambrym. A very pleasant spot where
sand-drawing is still an art.
There are 2 stores, a post office and a resthouse located in
an old colonial style house.
If time allows, you can go off on foot for a delightful 45
minute walk through the bush to the wharf at Port Sandwich.
A magnificent a view, but beware of swimming in the sea
there, because this beautiful natural bay is home to sharks.
Finally, if you have a chance before leaving, do go to the
Maskelynes, they are unforgettable.
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