World Heritage Site In Guinness World Record
Posted on 24. Nov, 2009 by Stenberg-Tendys W.L. in Promotion, Society
Chief Roi Mata’s Domain, a World Heritage Site, has featured once more on the world stage. It is the final scene of a story that involved 838 participants in a Guinness World Record Challenge, held in Port Vila, Vanuatu, in the South Pacific, on the 19th November, by You Me Support Foundation.
The story unfolded across the 83 tropical islands of the archipelago, which stretches across 1000kms. On each island the stars of the story uncovered wonders that not many know about, from giant burial stones, to a fire walking ceremony, to where giant lobsters and coconut crabs live.
In the final chapter of ‘Vanuatu Treasure’ the two central characters, Natou-Kole and Laena are seen standing with the treasure chest, outside Roi Mata’s cave home, on Lelepa Island, while Maui, the tortoise, completes a victory roll in the sky.
Ancient Cave Drawings
Chief Roi Mata, was a powerful 17th century Melanesian chief and the last of Vanuatu’s paramount chiefs. He was widely known for his social reforms and conflict resolutions. He was the first to hold the great peace feasts, where he introduced a system of totemic clans, binding the people together through maternal links.
Roi Mata is still an inspiration and source of power for many of the Ni-Vanuatu people. It is believed the ancient cave drawing on Lelepa depicts Roi Mata.
For over 400 years custom tabu (prohibition) has applied to Roi Mata’s mass burial site, containing over 25 – 50 members of his retinue, who were buried live with him. It is understood the men were permitted to drink kava, a soporiphic local drink, but this privilege was not allowed for the women.
According to legend he was the first chief to conquer the land and unite the tribes. Though Roi Mata had a peaceful reign, he was poisoned to death by his brother.
Roi Mata’s body was removed to the island of Artuk for burial, as the locals feared his spirit. A small community living on Artuk was relocated to the main island of Efate.
Because of the oral tradition to the culture, it is very difficult to find very much written about this powerful chief, but no one since has dared to take the name of Roi Mata.
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