Solomon Islands and Vanuatu

DSC_8376 Only men can perform the traditional Rom Dance, in the village of Fanla on the island of Ambryn. The dance begins with the beating of drums, pounding of feet and chanting by the chief and his men. The pounding of feet sets the ground shaking as the giant tamtam watched over the proceedings. Half the men are naked but for their nambas or penis sheaths, while others were completely hidden beneath masks and cloaks of foliage as they represented various spirits. Ambryn, Vanuatu

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DSC_8376 Only men can perform the traditional Rom Dance, in the village of Fanla on the island of Ambryn. The dance begins with the beating of drums, pounding of feet and chanting by the chief and his men. The pounding of feet sets the ground shaking as the giant tamtam watched over the proceedings. Half the men are naked but for their nambas or penis sheaths, while others were completely hidden beneath masks and cloaks of foliage as they represented various spirits. Ambryn, Vanuatu

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