The Ni-Vanuatu are the indigenous population, mainly Melanesian, of the Republic of Vanuatu comprised of eighty-three islands in the South Pacific Ocean. While some Ni-Vanuatans live in modern houses in urban cities, others continue to live in traditional houses with woven bamboo walls and dirt floors in rural areas. Fishing is an important livelihood for many Vanuatans. Yams, manioc and taro root are the most common crops in Vanuatu. Dancing is a favorite pastime of the Ni-Vanuatu’s. Both men and women enjoy dancing around family dancing grounds called nasara to the music of the slit gong, made from a hollowed-out tree trunk.

“Kids by Boat,” One moment of down time for these young village girls after the usual long day of helping their father catch fish.

“Men Dancing Traditional Dress,” The Traditional dress the tribe wears on Fridays.