Keeper of the songs

Since Ralph Regenvanu graduated from ANU with first class honours in development studies, he has taken part in numerous international efforts to preserve the heritage of Vanuatu and other Pacific cultures. He spoke with the ANU Reporter about his work as the Director of the Vanuatu Cultural Centre and his involvement with the unearthing of the oldest graves in the Pacific region.

How did you become involved with the Lapita graves site?
One of our volunteer fieldworkers discovered the site and then the National Museum (part of the Vanuatu Cultural Centre) requested the assistance of Professor Matthew Spriggs and Stuart Bedford from ANU to undertake further investigations of the site.

What is the importance of this work?
This is the only Lapita-era cemetery found in the Pacific, and therefore the world. The number of burials being discovered, too, makes this site important.

What is intangible cultural heritage? Why is it important this is preserved?
Intangible cultural heritage involves the expressions of culture that are manifested in non-tangible ways – not as artefacts or sites. It encompasses, songs, stories and festive events and, fundamentally, language, world views, cosmologies and transmission of cultural. All of culture is fi rst intangible (before it is manifested as artefacts, for example) almost all of it is always intangible. The safeguarding of this intangible heritage is therefore most important component of safeguarding diversity in general. Once the intangible is safeguarded, all cultural expressions and creativity are safeguarded.
 
How did it feel to be a jury member on UNESCO’s Proclamation of Masterpieces of Oral and Intangible History of Humanity?
It was a great honour for me. We had to assess expressions submitted by UNESCO members and decide whether they should be declared ‘masterpieces’ (terrible word!) in the fi eld ofheritage universally. Because almost all expressions are important in their own right, a lot of the selection was based on how committed the state, other national institutions and the community itself was about safeguarding their nomination.

What other major projects are you working on?
1) A project to strengthen the traditional economy and the use of traditional wealth items in Vanuatu 2) a project to revitalise sand drawings (a traditional cultural expression) 3) the 10th Fest’Napuan, a contemporary music concert and 4) strengthening of the Pacifi c Islands Museums Association (of which I am a board member).

What pressure do small, primarily oral face in the modern world?
Basically, getting their young people interested in living and practising the principle aspects ofown culture. The first and most important component is that they know their own language. This also involves winning the competition with the attractions of cash and the consumer society.

What advice would you have for someone who wants to get into your field?
You need a critical understanding of how the political and economic system works to be able to propose viable long-term solutions to problems. You also need to be committed to a wider social good rather than personal. Self-interest is so old hat! 

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