‘Tufala kev blong devil’: People and spirits in North West Malakula, Vanuatu — implications for management

Abstract

Yalo and Apialo are two caves of great archaeological significance in NW Malakula, Vanuatu. They are also focal points in the life and death of the local Small Nambas and Big Nambas indigenous peoples. This paper introduces the caves, their kastom significance and efforts currently being undertaken to develop a community-based plan of management for the sites and nearby linked places.