Sandroing (or sand drawing) is a unique tradition involving drawing geometric figures directly onto the ground with one or two fingers. Vanuatu sandroings are quite distinct from other forms of ground-based art because they are executed as cursive or continuous lines. Each design is a type of maze, where the line of the drawing is traced in a largely uninterrupted path, without lifting the finger from the ground.
Sandroing (or sand drawing) is a unique tradition involving drawing geometric figures directly onto the ground with one or two fingers. Vanuatu sandroings are quite distinct from other forms of ground-based art because they are executed as cursive or continuous lines. Each design is a type of maze, where the line of the drawing is traced in a largely uninterrupted path, without lifting the finger from the ground.
Sandroing flourished through the extensive exchange networks that linked the central and northern islands of the Vanuatu archipelago, in particular Paama, Ambrym, Malakula, Pentecost, Ambae and Maewo. This region has close to 80 different language groups, and its peoples have always made a practice of travelling in search of knowledge and trade. In part, sandroings developed as a form of communication and symbolic exchange within this dynamic tradition. They facilitated the exchange of ideas between different language groups. Travellers used sandroing in order to leave messages in meeting places.
Read more about the history of sandroings here.
Sandroing are intangible masterpieces which require no materials - only the ground itself. They are generally executed on a flat area with a loose covering of ash, dirt, dust or sand. Sandroings are often performed in meeting areas or on dancing grounds where there is a naturally occurring layer of ash or dust covering compressed earth.
Once the surface has been cleared and levelled, the artist marks out a framework that consists of a matrix of dots, a simple cross, or a rectilinear grid. This functions as a structure or foundation around which the cursive line is traced. The artist may then tell a tale or sing a song in conjunction with the drawing. This oral elaboration may continue for some time, while pointing to or referencing various parts of the sandroing.