In the archives of the police station in the tropical islands of Vanuatu, in the South Pacific, you will find a fascinating tale of giant drums that walked into the night, never to be seen again.
Vanuatu is home to a collection of sacred art which has been traditionally kept secret from the outside world. “Art that could easily be mistaken for any piece of modern artwork,” stated David Baker, curator of the Annandale Gallery, Sydney, Australia, which recently hosted a Vanuatu exhibition, which set the art world agog.
Among the artifacts was a four foot Tam Tam, or wooden carved drum, one of the world’s largest free standing musical instruments. The face styalized to represent an ancestor. The eyes representing the morning star, of a society which has kept its traditional secrets well away from the prying eyes of the world. The slit up the middle of the drum allowing the ancestor to speak, when the lip of the drum was beaten with a small wooden club.
These ancient drums played a very significant role in the customs and rites of the tribe. They were a vital part of sacred ceremonies, initiations, funerals and traditional dances. Carefully coordinated actions by multiple drummers, beat the lip of the gongs with a small wooden club. The informal village orchestras would perform rhythmical ensembles of immense variety and complexity.
The gongs were also a method of communicating with neighbouring villages. Complicated messages could be sent over long distances, using a unique gong language. Even neighbouring islands could be contacted if the atmospherics were favourable. However, the art of the intricate language of the gong is almost lost among the younger generation.
Smaller hand-carved versions of the larger musical instrument are frequently carried home by tourists to these tropical islands, totally unaware of the deep cultural significance. While Tam Tams, with up to five faces, are a common site in Vanuatu, only one particular group of islanders from the province of Malampa, on the remote tropical island of Ambrym, have the intellectual property-rights to carve the Tam Tams.
For the opening of Le Meridien, an international resort in Port Vila, on the main island of Vanuatu, it was decided that two five headed Tam Tams would be purchased to adorn the imposing entrance to the resort. A lot of money was paid and the day finally arrived when the massive carved drums were proudly put in place. People stopped in admiration, of the two drums towering high overhead, like two massive trees.
However, it wasn’t long before disaster struck. The word went out that a lot of money had been paid to someone who had no traditional right to carve the musical instruments. All hell broke loose. People were deeply upset, particularly the tribe who had the sole right to carve the ancient artifacts.
As the days passed it looked as if the storm just might pass by, until one misty night the Tams Tams mysteriously disappeared. When security guards, who were patrolling the area, were questioned, they said they had seen and heard nothing. Urgent inquiries went out to find out who had taken the Tam Tams and where they were located. Many people were questioned. The police were called. All to no avail. No matter who was asked, there was only one answer given. “Spirits of the night, they help big fella Tams Tams walk away. ” Then with a shrug of the shoulders, “We not know where big fella Tam Tams go.”
The offending Tams Tams have not been seen from that day to this. The managers of Le Meridien had to reorder a new Tam Tam, this time from the rightful carvers.
If anyone reading this story sees any giant Tam Tams walking the streets on misty nights, please contact Paramount Chief of ‘Tam Tam Five Heads Anyonymous’. Perhaps you will hear the drums singing the 1970’s song, “These feet are made for walking and that’s just what they’ll do, one of these days these feet are gonna walk all over you.”
Mysterious things happen in Vanuatu, that is why it is the home of the greatest Blue Moon Opportunity you will ever find.
Take time out to find out more about the author and a genuine Blue Moon Opportunity at http://winaresort.com
Tags: ancient artifacts, ancinet culture and traditions, blue moon, blue moon opportunity, giant drums, sacred art, secret art, South Pacific, spirits of the night, tradition and culture of the South Pacific tropical isl, tropical islands, Vanuatu, world's largest free standing musical instrument