Nakamal facts for kids
A nakamal is a special traditional meeting place found in the island nation of Vanuatu. People use nakamals for important gatherings, ceremonies, and for sharing a traditional drink called kava.
You can find a nakamal in almost every important community in Vanuatu. However, the way a nakamal looks and the traditions around it can be a little different from one area to another.
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The Meaning Behind the Name
The word nakamal comes from Bislama, which is a language spoken in Vanuatu. Bislama borrowed this word from older Oceanic languages in the region.
In these older languages, na kamal(i) means "the kamal." The word kamal itself has a very old history. It goes back to an ancient language called Proto-Oceanic. In that language, *kamaliR meant "men's house." This shows that nakamals have always been important places for men in the community.
Traditional Nakamal Buildings
In the northern and central parts of Vanuatu, a nakamal is usually a large building. It's built using traditional materials, and the whole community often helps. A local chief usually guides the building process.
Community Gathering Spaces
These buildings are often places mainly for men and boys. Unmarried men and boys might sleep and live there. Male visitors to the village are also welcome. Interestingly, most nakamals do not have a lockable door. This shows that friendly visitors are always welcome. Sometimes, there's a low barrier at the entrance to keep animals out.
Outside a nakamal, you often find a flat, open area called a nasara. This space is used for dances and other outdoor community gatherings.
Special Outdoor Nakamals
In southern Vanuatu, a nakamal might not be a building at all. Instead, it could be a large, sheltered outdoor space. For example, it might be under a huge banyan tree. These trees provide natural shade and a perfect spot for meetings.
In Port Vila, which is the capital city of Vanuatu, the building for the national council of chiefs, called the Malvatumauri, is designed to look like a traditional nakamal. This shows how important these places are to the culture.
Nakamals and Kava Sharing
One of the most important things that happens at a nakamal today is the preparation and sharing of kava. Kava is a traditional drink made from the root of the kava plant. It is shared during ceremonies and community gatherings.
In cities in Vanuatu, and in nearby New Caledonia, the word nakamal can also refer to a place where kava is prepared and shared with others. In rural areas, however, a traditional nakamal (where kava is a community activity and usually not sold) is different from a place where kava is offered for sale.
If you see a colored light displayed at an entrance in a city, it often means that kava is available there.
See Also
- Kava culture
- Tiki culture
- Tiki bar
