Melanesia Flashcards
How many nations make up Melanesia?
6
Name all 6 nations of Melanesia:
Nauru, Vanuatu, Fiji, Papua New Guinea, New Caledonia, Solomon Islands
There have been movements in recent years to free West Papua. Which colonial power currently occupies this territory?
Indonesia
Melanesia hosts several natural resources, biodiversity and mines that are attractive to Western powers. Where in Melanesia can the world’s largest mine be found?
Grasberg, Papua New Guinea
In which Melanesian country are you likely to find the tradition of tattooing?
Papua New Guinea
Cultural markings in Papua New Guinea are typically passed down from mother to daughter, but men may be allowed to get male versions of the tattoos. True or false?
True
Describe the ways in which traditional tattoos benefit the people of Papua New Guinea, particularly those currently living overseas:
Empowerment; sense of belonging; story telling; reconnecting with heritage
Why might the tradition of tattooing have ceased at some point in time?
Missionary influence
Tattoo culture still exists in Papua New Guinea, but it is now more common to get Western-style tattoos than traditional tattoos. True or false?
True
Dr Charles Radclyffe was born in the Solomon Islands to a Melanesian mother and English father. True or false?
False - he was born in the Solomon Islands, but his mother was I-Kiribati
_____ is the study of the past through an examination of material remains:
Archaeology
How might the field of archaeology relate to people in the Pacific?
Connecting with people & placing value on indigenous people’s histories
In the Solomon Islands, there are no legal definitions for who can identify as indigenous. True or false?
False
Melanesia is the largest region in Oceania. Approximately what is the total population of Melanesia?
12.6 million
In Melanesian nations, most of the land continues to be owned by the indigenous peoples. True or false?
True
