During September 2007 some men from a small tribal group called the Kastam traveled from Tanna, Vanuatu to visit London. This was at the invitation of a British TV company.
The Kastam people have some peculiar religious beliefs. For example, they believe that England and Tanna were once the same country, both erupting from a volcano at the time of creation. Many years back Prince Philip visited Tanna aboard his royal yacht. Ever since then the Kastam people have worshiped him as the Son of God.
During their month in England this Kastam delegation were shown diverse expressions of how life is lived in England, both in urban and rural contexts. On one occasion they were taken to Madame Tussaud’s. Understandably, they did not recognise any of the wax-figure representations of famous celebrities. However, when they came to the wax figure of Prince Philip they became very excited. They hugged “him” and looked deep into his marble eyes.
How did the Kastam people come to venerate Prince Philip in this way?
It all begins when the gospel was being communicated to the peoples of Vanuatu, with many responding though, unlike the Kastam people, not developing a cargo cult like this. The Kastam people believe that the god they were worshiping prior to the coming of these missionaries was so angered by the attempt to convert them, that he sent his son, a spirit, to England to try to stop these missionaries. The Kastam believe that in England this spirit became a man, the very man Prince Philip who visited them in the 1970s.
After his visit the Kastam people sent Prince Philip a club as a gift. They were sent back a framed picture of Prince Philip holding the club. This photo has become a religious icon.
We might be amazed at such thinking on the part of the Kastam. But I reckon they were outplayed by some Westerners who criticised the whole project because of its potential to “corrupt” their culture. As efforts were made to grant them an audience with Prince Philip fears were expressed that Prince Philip might say something that would cause their religion and culture to be shattered.
Which group do you think are in the sorrier state – the Kastam or those culture-worshiping Westerners?
On this Melbourne Cup day I know what I’d put my money on!
www.facetofaceintercultural.com.au
Posted November 3, 2009
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