Vanuatu: A History of Sara People



Vanuatu is a small island nation located in the South Pacific, east of Australia and north of New Zealand. It is home to the indigenous people known as the Sara. The Sara people have a long and fascinating history, and their culture is still very much alive today.

The Sara people are believed to have first settled in Vanuatu around 3,000 years ago. They were a hunter-gatherer society, relying on the land to provide them with food and resources. They were also a very spiritual people, with a deep connection to the land and their ancestors.

The Sara people had a unique system of government, known as the Kastom. This system was based on a strong sense of communal ownership and responsibility. All decisions were made by the elders, who were respected for their wisdom and experience. This system of government was very successful and allowed the Sara people to live in harmony with their environment.

The Sara people were also skilled farmers. They grew a variety of crops, including taro, yams, sweet potatoes, and bananas. They also raised pigs and chickens, which provided them with additional sources of food.

The Sara people were also skilled fishermen. They used a variety of techniques, including hand lines, nets, and traps. They also hunted animals such as wild pigs and deer, which provided them with meat.

In the late 19th century, the Sara people were exposed to European colonization. The first Europeans to arrive were missionaries, who wanted to convert the Sara people to Christianity. The missionaries were successful and many of the Sara people adopted Christianity.

This period of colonization had a profound impact on the Sara people. They were forced to give up their traditional lifestyle and adopt Western customs. They also had to learn to speak English and adopt the European way of life.

Despite these changes, the Sara people have managed to retain much of their traditional culture. They still practice their traditional religion, which is based on a belief in the power of nature and the spirits of their ancestors. They also still practice traditional farming and fishing techniques.

The Sara people are also proud of their culture and history. They have kept their language and customs alive, and they are actively engaged in preserving their culture and traditions. They are also very active in the political life of Vanuatu, and they are represented in the government and the parliament.

Today, the Sara people are an important part of the Vanuatu culture. They are proud of their heritage and their culture, and they are working to ensure that their traditions and customs are preserved for future generations. They are also actively engaged in the political life of Vanuatu, and they are represented in the government and the parliament.