Adornment and physical modification of the human body are cultural practices that have been carried since time immemorial in societies all over the world. Such practices have a wide range of purposes and can be associated with identifying status within a family or community, or group identity, or are seen as enhancing attraction or beauty. This exhibition provides but a glimpse of the types of adornment and modification that have been carried out by Ni-Vanuatu throughout their 3,000 year old history. The items that predate the historic era have all come from archaeological excavations carried out throughout Vanuatu. The full range of items and decoration used was of course much greater and it is from the historic record and oral traditions that we get a much fuller picture of the vibrant array of ornaments, clothing, and body modification that existed.
