Sep 4, 2021
Based on obsolete ideas of race, why is ‘Melanesia’ still used? Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands and Vanuatu became independent in the late 20th century, while New Caledonia will vote on independence in 2018 and Western New Guinea was annexed by Indonesia in 1962. For some Melanesians, the term has become a positive term of identity. The ancient Vanuatuan ritual naghol (vine diving) survived the colonial era (despite attempts to eradicate it)and is now emulated worldwide as bungee jumping.
Rhys Griffiths, ‘National Gallery: Melanesia’, History Today