Textiles and dyeing in north Vanuatu: trade, invention and skill

Join us for a public talk with Dr. Lissant Bolton, anthropologist and former Keeper of Africa, Oceania and the Americas at the British Museum in London. ASL interpretation provided.

1:00 – 2:00 Weaving Demonstration by Evelyne Bulegih Wobelak

2:00 – 3:30 Public Talk with Dr. Lissant Bolton followed by a discussion with Evelyne Bulegih Wobelak

3:30 – 4:30 Hands-On Fan Making led by Evelyne Bulegih Wobelak

The pandanus (plant fiber) textiles of the western Pacific have a rich history, outlined in oral traditions, and also to be traced through museum collections and other records. The western Pacific nation of Vanuatu (an archipelago of more than 80 islands) is recognised as crossroads both in the settlement of the Pacific and in the trading relationships that linked the region over the last 3000 years.  This illustrated lecture looks at the pandanus textile traditions of north Vanuatu — at their history and significance and at the skills employed in making them.  In particular I will address the vegetable dye and associated dyeing technique that is completely unique to Vanuatu and discuss dyeing as a way of ’wrapping in colour’. 

Presented in conjuntion with Sandroing: Tracing Kastom in Vanuatu.

Program Included with Museum Admission