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99-501: The Kanak building traditions and the resources of modern international architecture were blended by Piano. The formal curved axial layout, 250 metres (820 ft) long on the top of the ridge, contains ten large conical cases or pavilions (all of different dimensions) patterned on the traditional Kanak Grand Hut design. The building is surrounded by landscaping, which is also inspired by traditional Kanak design elements. Marie-Claude Tjibaou , widow of Jean Marie Tjibaou and current leader of

198-595: A 250 metres (820 ft) long ridge of the peninsula (a cape that extends southeast into the Pacific Ocean ). The arrangement consists of 10 units called "cases," or hut pavilions, arranged in three groups or village clusters with one tall hut (the largest is 28 metres high) in each cluster representing the traditional "Great Hut" of the Kanak Chiefs. The main axis of the Cultural Centre (somewhat off

297-546: A Kanak activist. The Kanak independence activists were unhappy with the situation as they felt that France would never allow them independence. A subsequent agreement, the " Nouméa Accord ", was signed between the FLNKS President and the French Government on 5 May 1998, allowing for a degree of autonomy to New Caledonia over a transition period of up to 20 years. A referendum for independence from France

396-514: A cultural centre on the lines suggested by Tjibaou be set up in Nouméa. The "Jean-Marie Tjibaou Cultural Centre", which identifies Kanak culture and identity, was formally established in May 1998. However, based on a competition for designing the centre dated to 1991, the work was assigned to Renzo Piano and it was constructed between 1993 and 1998. The inaugural cultural director was Emmanual Kaserhou and

495-547: A former priest, who had just graduated in ethnology. Although he was a Catholic and was promoting the idea of Kanak independence and she came from a Protestant family that wished to remain a part of France, they married and had six children. Working for the Youth and Sports Service from 1974 to 1976, Tjibaou actively participated in the organization of the Melanesia 2000 festival, the first festival of Melanesian arts, which

594-789: A member of the Pacific Islands Museum Association (PIMA) and president of the organizing committee for New Caledonia's participation in the Festival of Pacific Arts , held in the Cook Islands in 1992 and Samoa in 1996, and which organized the festival when it took place in New Caledonia in 2000. She has been a member of the board of La Première , a radio and television service for French overseas territories. Tjibaou founded an association against sexual violence, SOS Violences sexuelles , in 1992 and

693-530: A physical link with the invisible world. The Festival des Arts du Pacifique, the Festival of Pacific Arts, is organized every four years. Dancers are trained in traditional dances in special workshops. Welcome dances performed by groups are very popular. Of the various dance forms, the pilou-pilou dance is a unique dance form of the Kanaks, which recounts many stories of the clans. The pilou-pilou dance form of

792-596: A population of around 50,000 for the whole island. A minimum of 100,000 is more likely, considering the amount of land that can be shown to have been cultivated pre-colonially. This declined to 27,000 during early colonial rule as a result of disease. Kanaks were historically associated with tribes, including the Bwaarhat, Tiendanite, Goa, and Goosana, as well as clans, such as the Poowe. "Most of them are spoken, and because they are taught at school, some of them need to have

891-404: A proposal to set up an Agency for the development of Kanak Culture with the objective of promoting Kanak linguistic and archaeological heritage, promote Kanak handicrafts and the arts, encourage cross-regional interactions and evolve design and conduct research activities. This plan was implemented after Jean-Marie Tjibaou was assassinated, to assuage local feelings. The French President ordered that

990-510: A referendum on independence would be conducted in July 1985. After the death of Kanak leader Eloi Machoro in 1985, Kanak activists took 27 gendarmes hostage on the island of Ouvéa , igniting a French response (see Ouvéa cave hostage taking ). The Kanak movement proposed a self-government in January 1986. An interim arrangement was announced by Mitterrand who moved to give greater autonomy in

1089-566: A rich Kanak heritage, though they are on loan from other museums. The Case Jinu or pavilion has six exhibits that are titled "The spirit of Oceania" which depict the origin of the world, people and their habitats from across the Pacific. The Case Mâlep has exhibits depicting the life and work of Jean-Marie Tjibaou, charismatic leader of the independent movement who initiated action to set up the Kanak cultural centre. Exhibitions are rotated throughout

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1188-458: A small totem pole with symbolic shapes. Music, dance and singing are part of many a Kanak ceremonial function and dances are performed during the traditional Kanak gatherings with the objective of cementing relationships within the clan and with ancestors. The word Kanak (originally spelled Canaque in French) is derived from kanaka maoli , a Hawaiian phrase meaning 'ordinary person' which

1287-486: A standard to be written; the academy can also produce new texts for the teaching of the languages." Jacques Vernaudon, University of New Caledonia linguistics lecturer, 2007 The languages of New Caledonia are very diverse, with French serving as a lingua franca and the official language of New Caledonia. Glottolog recognizes 33 Kanak languages in the island nation, many with distinct dialects. Approximately 60,000 residents of New Caledonia speak at least one of

1386-560: A time when there were reportedly 70,000 Kanaks living in the archipelago. Cook gave the name "New Caledonia" to these islands, named after Caledonia , the traditional name of Scotland . Fifty years later, the Protestants of London Missionary Society came to New Caledonia, which was followed by entry of the French Catholics to the island, in 1843. This resulted in a conflict between the two religious factions and eventually

1485-575: Is a former medal-winning athlete, Kanak activist and politician, and widow of the independence movement leader in New Caledonia , Jean-Marie Tjibaou . Marie-Claude "Andie" Tjibaou was born Marie-Claude Wetta on 10 January 1949 in Ponérihouen on the north coast of Grand Terre , the main island of New Caledonia. She is a member of the Néouta tribe. Her father, Doui Matayo Wetta (1917–1980),

1584-406: Is devoted to creative activities such as dance, painting, sculpture, and music. There is also a school for children where they are taught the local art forms. Notable exhibition halls in the sail-like structures of the cases include Case Bwenaado, Case Jinu, Case Mâlep, Case Umatë and Salle Bérétara. The Case Bwenaado or pavilion, a customary assembly place, houses the artifacts created by artists of

1683-514: Is now applied to all non-whites, even southern Europeans in some cases, and especially to Turkish immigrants – also derives from the same source. It was originally applied to people from German colonial possessions in Oceania . Melanesian settlement on Grande Terre dates back at least as far as the Lapita culture. The origin of Kanak people is unclear. Obsidian transported from New Guinea

1782-420: Is provided behind the auditorium where cultural performances are held. The second village complex is used for the offices for historians, researchers, curators of exhibitions and administrative staff. The cases in front of the offices have a multimedia library and the halls here are used for conferences. The village at the end of the path, which is located slightly away from the visitors' area and which has studios,

1881-426: Is suitable for everyday use. The cultural centre has thus been described as "a perfected masterpiece and a deeply impressive, earth-bound example of a new interpretation of modernism". The layout takes note of the prevailing easterly wind directions from the sea and the structures as a whole are built to take full advantage of the wind and are also oriented to control sunlight and solar heat gain. The curved outer face of

1980-728: Is the honorary president of the association. She became vice-president of the Association for the Protection Against Alcohol Abuse (APAA). She was made a member of the Economic and Social Council of New Caledonia until 1999, and was then appointed to the French Economic, Social and Environmental Council (CESE), as a representative of the overseas territories of France, remaining on the Council until

2079-583: The Agency for the Development of Kanak Culture (ADCK), observed: "We, the Kanaks, see it as a culmination of a long struggle for the recognition of our identity; on the French Government's part it is a powerful gesture of restitution." When the Matignon agreements were signed between the representatives of France and New Caledonia, Jean-Marie Tjibaou, the Kanak leader of the independent movement, had mooted

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2178-515: The Caldoche , who are European born in New Caledonia; the Zoreille , who were born in metropolitan France and live in New Caledonia, in addition to about 10% that are non-Kanak Polynesians and 10% that are mixed race. The earliest traces of human settlement in New Caledonia go back to Lapita culture , about 3000 BP , i.e. 1000 BCE . In addition, Polynesian seafarers have intermarried with

2277-554: The Coral Reef Initiative for the South Pacific 's (CRISP) partnership with CI provided recommendations and underwater species guides to the Kanak people. In 2004, a proposal was put forward to promote the entire coastal region as a World Heritage Site . Further work on this initiative has been pursued by CI's Center for Applied Biodiversity Science, the Coral Reef Initiative for the South Pacific (CRISP), and

2376-597: The Museum of Natural History . After World War II , the Kanak independence movement again picked up momentum when the United Nations placed New Caledonia on its Decolonisation List of Non-Self-Governing Territories in 1946. A major progression occurred when Kanaks and French settlers in the country obtained voting rights in 1951, shortly before it became an overseas territory of France in 1956. The Kanaks were then also allowed to move out of their reserve areas. This

2475-789: The South Pacific Games , winning a gold medal in the shot put at the 1969 games in Port Moresby , Papua New Guinea and the shot put and discus at the 1971 games in Papeete , French Polynesia . She also won silver medals in 1966 in Nouméa and 1975 in Guam . Tjibaou worked as a rural advisor in the Basic Education Service of New Caledonia from 1971 to 1975. It was at this time that she met Jean-Marie Tjibaou,

2574-494: The UN "to establish a monitoring and follow-up system for the previous contracts signed between multinationals and municipalities, by drawing on the initiatives of Global Witness and asking the UN to put in place an ad hoc commission in order to protect the wealth of New Caledonia, following the example of what was done for Congo ." The Caledonian Union, one of the political parties within

2673-475: The indigenous Melanesian inhabitants of New Caledonia , an overseas collectivity of France in the southwest Pacific . Kanak peoples traditionally speak diverse Austronesian languages that belong to the New Caledonian branch of Oceanic . According to the 2019 census, the Kanaks make up 41.2% of New Caledonia's total population – corresponding to around 112,000 people. The other populations are

2772-511: The 1990s with the efforts of the Agency for Development of Kanak Culture ADCK Art forms in Kanak culture comprise: The ancient Lapita potteries date to 1000 BC. Essentially a women's craft, the pottery is generally decorated with geometric patterns and stylised human faces, although there is variation between northern and southern New Caledonian pottery. The various handles and glazes have pinhole-incised designs made from tooth combs. The pottery

2871-526: The Decolonisation List of Non-Self-Governing Territories. But this resolution did not mitigate the violence as what ensued was more confrontations with the authorities: the " Ouvéa cave hostage taking " resulted in 21 deaths including 19 Kanaks. Following the battle, there was an international outcry that resulted in initiation of talks for settlement between the French government, the Kanaks and

2970-418: The French Catholics' control of the islands prevailed. The island nation was thereafter annexed by France, in 1853. During the colonial period, in the 19th century, Kanaks were employed as forced labour , to perform work in places such as Australia , New Zealand , Papua New Guinea , the U.S. state of California , Canada , Chile , Fiji and South Africa . During the 3,000 years that Kanaks lived in

3069-476: The French Government, in collaboration with WWF to assess marine resources used by both Kanak tribes and people of European descent across three coastlines of the Nord Province. Bougna is a traditional Kanak casserole, considered a national food by many Kanaks. It is made of sliced root vegetables which might include taro , manioc , yams and coconut milk. Pork, chicken or seafood may be used in

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3168-420: The French government between 1864 and 1897, most of whom settled permanently in the country, and who were employed to extract nickel (beginning with 1864) and copper from 1875 onwards. This caused serious resentment among the Kanaks who revolted in 1878 against the French colonial rule, which was suppressed by the French who were better armed. The Kanak leader was decapitated, and his head was put on display in

3267-492: The French settlers. An agreement called the Matignon Accord followed on 6 November 1988 between the French and the Kanaks, which had the majority support of 80% of the French people. According to the Matignon Accord (or Matignon Agreement) a referendum on independence was proposed to be held by 1998. Two Kanak leaders who signed the agreement, Jean-Marie Tjibaou and Yeiwene Yeiwene, were assassinated on 4 May 1989 by

3366-856: The Kanak languages. The Kanak language with the most speakers is Drehu . With the only exception of Fagauvea — which is a Polynesian language spoken on the Loyalty Island of Ouvéa — all Kanak languages belong to the New Caledonian subgroup of Oceanic (itself a branch of the Austronesian phylum). In spite of their shared origin, Kanak languages historically diversified so much as to become mutually unintelligible. New Caledonian languages are divided into several groups. The Northern language group includes 12 languages: Caac , Cemuhî , Fwâi , Jawe , Kumak , Nemi , Paicî , Pije , Pwaamei , Pwapwa , Yalayu , and Yuaga . Five languages have developed lexical tones : Cèmuhî and Paicî from

3465-530: The Kanak leader of the independence movement, had mooted a proposal to set up an Agency for the Development of Kanak Culture (ADCK) . After Tjibaou's assassination in 1989, the French President François Mitterrand ordered that a cultural centre on the lines suggested by Tjibaou be set up in Nouméa , the capital of New Caledonia; it was to be the last of Mitterrand's Grands Projets . The Jean-Marie Tjibaou Cultural Centre

3564-450: The Kanaks over the last centuries. New Caledonia was annexed to France in 1853, and became an overseas territory of France in 1956. An independence movement, which led to a failed revolt in 1967, was restarted in 1984, pursuing total independence from French rule. When the 1988 Matignon agreements were signed between the representatives of France and New Caledonia to decide on holding the referendum for independence, Jean-Marie Tjibaou ,

3663-404: The Kanaks, now almost extinct, was so named by the early French missionaries of New Caledonia and involved stomping with bamboo tubes and beating of bark-clappers accompanied by singing in duets with shrieks and whistles of hundreds of dancers. In view of very strong nature of this form of dance, with a trance-like status attained by the dancers, these have been banned; the last such dance reported

3762-450: The area with comfort, as the average temperature in the area is 20 °C (68 °F) to 23 °C (73 °F) from April to August and 25 °C (77 °F) to 27 °C (81 °F) from September to March. The main sides of the paths are not covered with walls, as it would prevent air circulation and make the corridors intolerable. However, where the paths are open to direct light, louvers have been installed. The landscape layout of

3861-566: The art centre had to reflect this aspect. Thus, the planning aimed at a unique building which would be, as the architect Piano stated, "to create a symbol" ..."a cultural centre devoted to Kanak civilization, the place that would represent them to foreigners that would pass on their memory to their grand children". The model as finally built evolved after much debate in organized 'Building Workshops' in which Piano’s associate Paul Vincent and Alban Bensa, an anthropologist of repute on Kanak culture were also involved. The precursor for this cultural centre

3960-409: The art centre, also involved "landscaping ideas" to be created around each building. To this end, an "interpretative landscape path" was conceived and implemented around each building with series of vegetative cover avenues along the path that surrounded the building, but separated it from the lagoon. This landscape setting appealed to the Kanak people when the centre was inaugurated. Even the approach to

4059-581: The building of the conical domes consisted of laminated wood and natural wood, concrete, coral, aluminium castings, glass panels, tree bark and stainless steel . The iroko (Clorophora excelsa) timber used extensively was imported from Africa (native to tropical Africa, from Sierra Leone to Tanzania ); it was decided to use iroko because it was durable, and mostly resistant to attack by insects, fungi and mould. The frames of all cases were pre-fabricated in France and assembled on-site. The exterior part of

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4158-545: The buildings from the paths catered to the local practices of walking for three quarters of the path to get to the entrance to the Cases. One critic of the building observed: "It was very intelligent to use the landscape to introduce the building. This is the way the Kanak people can understand". The architectural uniqueness of the centre is to the credit of Renzo Piano, an Italian architect. The entire complex has been built along

4257-433: The cardinal axis) consists of many covered walkways, green spaces, outdoor rooms, and gardens that are interlinked with the pavilions or cases and also with the smaller office buildings. The arrangement of the structures around the main axis has a symbolic content for the Kanaks. All the huts are of different sizes and different functions, but with the consistent form of vertically positioned shell-like structures which resemble

4356-423: The case structure. The staves are designed in such a way that the individual pieces appear as if they are woven together. The roof is made of corrugated aluminium sheets. It has a double roof system, which contributes to the play of shadows. The bottom of the wall, formed by the arc of the staves, has special louvers , called nacos . The nacos open and close in tandem automatically by computer control calibrated to

4455-467: The cases is set amidst transplanted Norfolk Island pines , which are as tall as the cases. Smaller trees are also planted in the areas near the lower offices. This layout presents a "planted indigenous landscape". A Melanesian food garden with taro and yam are also grown. Paths to the Great House are planted with Araucaria columnaris or column pine and coconut trees . The materials used in

4554-409: The central part. As it represented the power of the chiefs over their subjects, it was adopted as flag of the Kanaks by the organization leading the independent movement in New Caledonia. The arrow or the spear normally has a needle at the end to insert threaded shells from bottom to top. After the death of a Kanak chief, the fleche faitière is removed and his family takes it to their home. Though it

4653-749: The colony. Prime Minister of France Jacques Chirac stationed troops in the islands and the autonomy issue was shelved. The FLNKS, backed in their campaign for a referendum by regional organizations such as the "Groupe du fer de lance mélanesien" (the Melanesian Spearhead Group ), the Pacific Forum , and the Nonaligned Countries Movement , were successful in getting the UN Resolution 41-41 A of 2 December 1986 passed; it re-inscribed New Caledonia on

4752-416: The concept of a permanent building. They lived in temporary type of buildings made with locally available material which needed to be replaced from time to time in the subtropical climate. This involved a wood frame building built on earthen plinths and with roof covered by thatch. The form of the building also varied from island to island, generally round in plan and conical in the vertical elevation. They made

4851-515: The creation of plastic contemporary Kanak art. The Fund for Contemporary Kanak and Oceanian Art (Le Fonds d'Art Contemporain Kanak et Océanien) was created in 1995, and consists of over 600 contemporary works from Australia and the Pacific Islands including New Caledonia. 22°15′23″S 166°28′55″E  /  22.25628°S 166.48193°E  / -22.25628; 166.48193 Marie-Claude Tjibaou Marie-Claude Tjibaou

4950-751: The end of 2015. She ran for the French Senate as an FLNKS candidate in 2001 but was narrowly beaten. From 1995 to 2000, she was a municipal councillor in Hienghène , a town on the east coast of Grande Terre, of which her husband was mayor from 1977 until his death. In 2014 she campaigned to become mayor of Nouméa, but was unsuccessful. In the same year she was a candidate for the Overseas Territories of France European Parliament constituency , without success. Kanak people The Kanaks ( French spelling until 1984: Canaque ) are

5049-519: The filling which is then wrapped in poingo banana leaves before being cooked over hot stones in an earthen oven. Other local ingredients used in Kanak cuisine include Rousettus (flying foxes) and local deer; marine staples such as lagoon and coral reef fish (including dawa ), as well as crabs and lobsters. Paita beans are locally grown haricots , while custard-apple , lime and saffron are other local ingredients. The Kanak arts of sculpture, dance, music and theatre have become more popular since

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5148-414: The first village, the emphasis is on exhibition activities. Right at the entrance is the permanent exhibition where visitors are given an insight into the Kanak culture. The cases that follow have displays related to the history of the community and the natural environment. This is followed by areas for temporary exhibitions and a theatre, a sunken auditorium where 400 people can be seated. An open-air theatre

5247-612: The fish stocks are on the decline, and fishing rights in certain areas are strictly observed with respect to locals. Following these beliefs and traditions, Kanak people and Conservation International (CI) have been jointly involved in conserving the ancestral waters and natural resources. According to a rapid assessment survey conducted with help from the Kanaks, 42 coral reefs have been identified for protection near Nord's Mont Pani Province. Its rich biodiversity reserves also include sea cucumbers , molluscs , crustaceans , herrings , groupers , and snappers . Supporting Kanak traditions,

5346-690: The five main ones are inhabited, are spread across an area 30 miles (48 km) wide and over 250 miles (400 km) in length. As of 2009, the Melanesian Kanak people constituted 40.3% (99,078) of the population of 245,580 in New Caledonia. The other groups consist of Europeans (mostly French ) at 29%, Wallisian 9%, people of mixed ancestry (8%), and other groups including Polynesians , Indonesians , Vietnamese and those (believed to be chiefly of European ancestry) who identified simply as "Caledonian." In 1774, Cook landed in Balade and estimated

5445-404: The flat crowned face representing the ancestor with a long, the rounded pole run through by conch shells mounted on it that represents the ancestor's voice, and a base with the pole fixed to it to symbolise the link between the clan and the chief. The central piece is also flanked by wooden pieces with sharp points (facing downwards) that are intended to prevent bad spirits enveloping the ancestor in

5544-414: The height to diameter ratio was reduced giving more space, which also resulted in greater dynamic ventilation, as was corroborated by wind tunnel tests. The cases have giant curved ribs or staves, which are made of iroko slats and steel connections and which also act as climate control devices. The outer ribs are a curved assembly of slats, which are joined to a straight vertical rib that together form part of

5643-407: The houses in groups with the headman’s house at the end of an open public alley formed by other buildings clustered along on both sides. Trees lined these alleys with a shady central gathering. This theme was adopted in the Cultural Centre planned by Piano and his associates. An important concept that evolved after deliberations in the 'Building Workshops', after Piano won the competition for building

5742-402: The huts is given an ancient appearance whereas the interior of each hut has rectangular space (for housing permanent and temporary exhibitions, administration offices and studio spaces), where all amenities feature modern technology. The space within each hut was achieved by discarding the central pillar, a deviation from the traditional Kanak hut design. In the circular design of the hut’s shells,

5841-452: The huts is in direct contact with the windward side of the stormy Pacific Sea whereas the leeward side is oriented towards the serene lagoon. The sunlight engulfs the structure and casts a continually changing pattern of shadows through the louvers and members of the staves of the cases. Another aspect of the layout is about the design of the paths connecting the cases and providing approach to them. They are covered so that visitors can walk in

5940-429: The lagoon and the bay, which is an offshoot of the sea. The lagoon side of this area is made up of dense mangroves at the water edge. Earlier, other types of trees also covered the site. There was a well-trodden path along the centre of the area of the peninsula. A ridge separated the area from the sea, which created the ecology of the area with the bay side experiencing strong easterly winds. Intense heat of subtropical sun

6039-747: The leader of the Kanak and Socialist National Liberation Front (FLNKS) and of the self-proclaimed "Provisional Government of Kanaky". After the murder of her husband on 4 May 1989 in Ouvéa in the Loyalty Islands Province , Tjibaou participated in the creation in 1990 of the Kanak Culture Development Agency (ADCK), and became its president. She was one of the main proponents of the Jean-Marie Tjibaou Cultural Centre . She became

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6138-417: The legs made of coconut leaves, shells and certain fruits. Kanak groups such as Bethela first made the recordings on cassette around 1975 or 1976. Coming from an oral tradition , Kanak knowledge was traditionally passed through poems, legends, and stories. Children's oral history is provided by parents and other relatives who also use tickling and onomatopoeic noise to hold the child's attention. Some of

6237-468: The modern spelling Kanak as a preferred alternative to the old spelling Canaque , which was associated with the colonial period. The new form "kanak" does not inflect grammatically in French: e.g. the plural is “les Kanak” (* les Kanaks is incorrect); “les traditions kanak”, etc. Other words have been coined from Kanak in the past few generations: In German , the racial epithet Kanake — which

6336-402: The museum curator Susan Cochrane. The project was quite controversial because of its luxurious, expensive and monumental nature. The cost of maintenance were also very high, excessive in regards to New Caledonia's means, and the museum was described as empty. In the early 2000s, the cultural center recorded approximately 70,000 visits a year. The entry fee was four euros. The site is located on

6435-538: The narrow Tina Peninsula, which projects into the Pacific Ocean along a ridge line, near the Tina Golf Course on the western coast of Boulari Bay , approximately 8 kilometres (5.0 mi) northeast of the old city centre of Nouméa. Though the agency (ADCK) wished to set up the centre in the heart of the city to make a statement within the strongly French -influenced city, the land allotted is between

6534-498: The northern group, and three languages ( Drubea , Numèè , Kwenyii ) from the Far South. Most of these languages are only used in spoken form. Kanak leader Tjibaou was involved in the establishment of the Écoles populaires kanak , which used local Kanak languages as medium of instruction for spiritual and practical knowledge, while including French and English language classes. Since 2006, pre-school children have been given

6633-636: The notable Kanak authors include Jean-Marie Tjibaou who wrote La Présence Kanak ; Susanna Ounei-Small , a Kanak author from Ouvéa who wrote about the Matignon Accords; and Kaloombat Tein , author of Hwanfalik – Sayings from the Hienghene Valley which provides insight into Hienghène legends and is written in Hienghène, with English language translation. In 1971 the women's association, Smiling Melanesian Village Women's Groups

6732-560: The oldest and first ancestor of a later culture that is labelled Kanak?" Still another problem in determining the origin and early history of Kanak people is that the archaeological interpretation is in conflict with the views of Kanak people which have become politicized subsequent to colonial rule. The earliest history of Europeans arriving on these islands is when Captain James Cook of the Kingdom of Great Britain landed in 1774 at

6831-606: The opportunity to learn indigenous Kanak languages. While the Kanak languages have been taught in high schools across the Loyalty Islands and North Province, the language education has not been as common in the more European South Province. The establishment of the Kanak Language Academy (KLA) was a provision of the Nouméa Accord. The Kanaks were known to worship their ancestors . This worship

6930-400: The particular clan and is embellished with stones and shells. The axe is polished smooth like a disc. Carvings made of soapstone are also popular. A meter in length canes, dated between 1850 and 1920, are used to make an entry into a village or in dance ceremonies. The canes were fired to give black patina over the engraved parts; the engraving designs consist of geometrical real images from

7029-495: The pilou dance, agricultural motifs and village scenes of fishing or building a Grand Hut or case. These were also stuffed with magic herbs to ward off evil spirits. Tapa is a bark cloth made into small pieces, often from banyan trees used to wrap up Kanak ancient bead money. Kanaks living on the islands made canoes out of hollowed–out trunks and large double–hulled outriggers with triangular sails, known as pirogues , traditionally used for fishing. Dances are performed during

7128-497: The pro-independence FLNKS group had, in 2010, appealed for a national committee to evaluate progress and prepare New Caledonia for the change in leadership before the planned referendum in 2014. In this appeal, the UC also argued that, according to the Nouméa Accord, it was obligatory for the French government to train and build the capacity of Kanaks to be able to take over the government in 2014 and urged them to respond swiftly. In reality

7227-409: The referendum was delayed until 2018 and its result was to remain with France, by a 56% majority. Two repeat referendums were held in 2020 , and 2021 , in which voters rejected independence, despite protests by some Kanaks. New Caledonia or Territoire des Nouvelle-Caledonie et Dependances , is approximately 1,200 kilometres (750 mi) off the northeast coast of Australia. Of its 500 islands,

7326-471: The region. They symbolize the link among ethnic groups of the Pacific in respect of the traditions of their oral beliefs and rituals that govern their life. A new collection in this case received in May 2008, on loan from the Musée du Quai Branly, features 16 Kanak items dating from the late 18th century to early 20th century. These are in the form of historical pieces of Kanak sculpture and implements representing

7425-567: The remote islands, they were unprepared for the arrival of European viruses and bacteria. The Kanaks were uprooted from the land and were employed as forced labour on French plantations, ranches and public works. When Kanaks were forced to move to reserve areas of the island, closer to the mountains, they occupied only 10 per cent of the area of their ancestral territories given that their population had declined so dramatically due to disease, and their living conditions became very hard. This situation arose consequent to induction of 20,000 convicts by

7524-425: The shape of hawks, ancient gods, serpents and turtles are also popular. The Grand Huts , also known as grande case (chef's hut), are decorated with the filial of fleche faitiere representing the ancestral spirits, symbolic of transition between the world of the dead and the world of the living. The wood carving is shaped like the spear-like carving that adorns the top of the grande case . It comprises three parts;

7623-418: The speed of the wind. The double roof system also allows air to pass through the roof unchecked. During the monsoon season, the winds that blow over the cases are very strong, the compound curve of the cases resists the wind, with the nacos facilitating this action further by allowing air to pass directly through the cases. In general, the exhibits in the Cultural Centre are organized in the three villages. In

7722-559: The spirit of Kanak culture of which the Flèche faîtière , which resembles a small totem pole with symbolic shapes, is the most common. A mini Stonehenge -looking religious memorial near the village in L'Île-des-Pins has a display of religious carvings. Other wooden objects include war clubs carved from the strongest wood, made in the form of a phallic head ( casse-tete ), a lethal bird's beak club ( bec d'oiseau ), and spears made from niaouli trees used to burn enemy houses. Wooden carvings in

7821-464: The teeth and an attached segment of soft nerve leaf; coconut-leaf whizzer, a piece of coconut leaf attached to a string and twirled that produces a noise like a humming bee; oboe, made of hollow grass stems or bamboo; end-blown flute, made of 50 cm long hollowed pawpaw leaf stem; bamboo stamping tubes that are struck vertically against the ground and played at major events; percussion instruments (hitting sticks, palm sheaths); rattles that are worn on

7920-483: The traditional Kanak gatherings with the objective of cementing relationships within the clan and with ancestors. Dance is performed in the form of a message or a legend, often related to their daily activities or important events such as birth, marriage, circumcision, the death of a chief and so forth. Dancers paint themselves colourfully to please the ancestors watching over them. Wooden masks made of local materials such as bark, feathers and leaves adorn them representing

8019-406: The traditional beliefs of the Kanak people, the sea is sacred as it provides them with "fish for food", so they treat it with great reverence. The folk stories created by the Kanak people attest to this fact and are also strictly followed as unwritten laws. Some of the important aspects of the oral laws relate to environmental protection and conservation, such as the closure of fishing operations when

8118-433: The traditional huts of a Caledonian Village. They are arranged in a row sequentially along a lower rectangular path that follows the gentle curve of the peninsula. It forms a unique cultural ensemble at the Cultural Centre of arts built with wood technology using long-lasting iroko wood. The overall effect is that it "looks like a unified homogenous whole". A laminated wood construction blends with engineering architecture and

8217-480: The year, and temporary exhibitions are also part of the complex. The centre also has two workshops of artists. They have been given a deliberate "unfinished" appearance as a reminder that Kanak culture is still in the process of evolution – a belief held by the deceased Canaque leader, who was the inspiration for the site. The complex includes the Department of Visual Arts and Exhibitions which is intended to promote

8316-500: Was a founding member in 1947 of the Association des indigènes calédoniens et loyaltiens français (Association of Native Caledonians and French Loyalists – AICLF) and one of the first nine Melanesians to sit on the general council of the French territory of New Caledonia. He was Minister of Public Relations, Information, Basic Education and Cooperation from 1958 to 1962. Tjibaou was very athletic. She represented New Caledonia in

8415-404: Was allowed to be used again as a sign of respect it is normally kept at burial grounds of noted citizens or at the mounds of abandoned grand houses. Stone carvings made of jade or serpentinite are in the form of ceremonial axe representing clan's strength and power. These were used to behead enemies during war and during ancestor celebrations known as Pilou. The bottom of the handle represents

8514-402: Was also another factor which affected the design of the building. The building plans, spread over an area of 8,550 square metres (92,000 sq ft) of the museum, were conceived to incorporate the link between the landscape and the built structures in the Kanak traditions. The people had been removed from their natural landscape and habitat of mountains and valleys and any plan proposed for

8613-649: Was at one time applied indiscriminately by European colonisers, traders and missionaries in Oceania to any non-European Pacific islander. Kanaka in Hawaiian descends from the Proto-Polynesian root * taŋata meaning 'person', a root which is not used in New Caledonian languages . Prior to European contact, there were no unified states in New Caledonia, and no single self-appellation used to refer to its inhabitants. In 1984, Melanesian leaders adopted

8712-503: Was embodied in the sepulchre , sacred stones, and devotional hearths where they offered sacrifices. Today, most Kanaks are Christians . Religion is an important aspect of Kanak culture. The Catholic church in Nouméa is attended by Kanaks, who form nearly 50% of the population of Catholics in New Caledonia (next only to the Europeans). Also, the majority of Protestants are Kanaks. Some Kanaks follow traditional beliefs. According to

8811-509: Was established in 1984. This forum refused to participate in elections to the Territorial Assembly and even declared its own Provincial Government; it met with opposition by the French. FLNKS "organized a boycott of the territorial elections in New Caledonia, smashing ballot boxes and setting up roadblocks to prevent people from voting." The FLNKS persisted with their agitation and unilaterally announced on 7 January 1985 that

8910-584: Was followed by the establishment of the Territorial Assembly in 1957, but this was short-lived; Charles de Gaulle abolished it after he became the President of France , in 1958. In 1981 the movement for Independence began, following the murder of Pierre Declercq , the secretary general of the Caledonian Union ( French : Union calédonienne , UC) on 19 September 1981. A national forum titled " Front de Liberation Nationale Kanak Socialiste" (FLNKS)

9009-462: Was formally established in May 1998. Although ancient Lapita potteries date back to 1000 BC, and the people of the island have long been involved in the arts, since the establishment of the ADCK , Kanak arts and crafts have become more popular in New Caledonia . Wooden carvings in the shape of hawks, ancient gods, serpents and turtles are popular as is flèche faîtière , a carving which resembles

9108-492: Was formed and advocated the idea of a cultural festival to promote Kanak arts. As a result of this movement the first festival of Melanesian arts, " Melanesia 2000 ", was held in Nouméa in September 1975, supported by Jean-Marie Tjibaou. Kanak arts festivals became popular with two international events held early in the 1990s that created the awareness of Kanak arts. The first exhibition of modern-day wood sculptors and painters

9207-586: Was found with the earliest New Caledonian Lapita pottery. In addition, some researchers have claimed there is evidence of New Caledonian human habitation dating from 3000 BC (predating Lapita culture by 1500 years), while others claim to have found pre-Lapita pottery. At the Fourth Lapita Conference, held in June 2000, in Canberra , Australia, the question was posed: "Is Lapita Kanak, or is Lapita

9306-515: Was held at Ko i Neva, which was also published as contemporary Kanak arts. This was followed by a large exhibition of Kanak arts in Paris known as "De Jade et de Nacre – Patrimoine Artistique Kanak (Jade and Mother of Pearl – Kanak Artistic Heritage". The Centre Cultural Tjibaou also stages occasional art exhibitions. A popular quadrennial event is the Festival of Pacific Arts where the indigenous people of all Pacific nations and people gather to display

9405-675: Was held in Nouméa , capital of New Caledonia, in September 1975. Her husband and father were also involved. She then joined the Interior and Islands Development Organization (ODIL) from 1976 to 1985, before setting up development projects in the North Province for the Regional Development Office (ODER) and the Rural Development and Land Development Agency (ADRAF). By this time, her husband had become

9504-635: Was held in 2018. Progressive changes that were expected of this agreement were in the local political control and structure; the Kanaks would have greater say over internal and regional affairs while France would retain sovereign rights including control over military and foreign affairs. In a speech made before the Fourth Commission of the United Nations on 10 October 2005, the FLNKS Vice President, Léopold Jorédié , urged

9603-501: Was in 1951. Music, dance and singing are part of many a Kanak ceremonial function such as initiation, courting and mourning. Conch shells are blown by an appointed person to represent a clan chief's arrival or the voice of an ancestor. Rhythm instruments used include Bwanjep, used during ceremonies by a group of men; Jew's harp , ( wadohnu in the Nengone language where it originated) made of dried piece of coconut palm leaf held between

9702-450: Was made from clay deposits found in the islands. Painting is a recent art form common among women artists. Famous artists include Yvette Bouquet from Koumac who has produced paintings with Pacific and Oceania themes, Paula Boi, whose paintings are of more abstract scenes, and Denise Tuvouane and Maryline Thydjepache who use mixed art forms. Bus stop shelters are common places where their paintings are illustrated. Wood sculpture represents

9801-424: Was the first cultural festival held in 1975 in New Caledonia, which was a focused celebration of Kanak culture. The Melanesia 2000 Festival was also held at the same venue where the centre has been established now. The centre is also termed as "A politicized symbolic project", which evolved over long period of research and intense debate. Another aspect of the Kanak's building tradition was that it did not fit in with

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