Reviving Traditional Weaving: Empowering Women & Girls, Preserving Culture

Melanesian Women Today (MWT) is proud to support the Ulin Maho Association on Pentecost Island, Vanuatu, in a landmark cultural revival made possible by the Pacific Peoples’ Partnership’s Pacific Resilience Fund. This initiative demonstrates how community-led efforts can strengthen culture, livelihoods, and resilience.

The Reviving Traditional Weaving Project, which ran from 2024 to 2025, set out to reclaim the sacred art of Vavatuvwa (Nonda word for traditional weaving in North Pentecost)—a practice central to women’s identity, cultural continuity, and community well-being. For the women of North and Central Pentecost, weaving is far more than a craft. It is a living narrative, connecting girlhood to womanhood while passing on ancestral knowledge, values, and social roles.
At its core, this work is about one thing: passing on traditional knowledge by reviving the practice itself, with women leading the way. Because on Pentecost Island, their participation in the traditional economy, Kastom Ekonomi, isn't just important. It's foundational. Traditional weaving is the very fabric of kastom ekonomi, and when women weave, the whole community thrives.

The project focused on three key areas:

Ecological Restoration: Replanting pandanus and coconut palms essential for weaving.
Cultural Preservation: Safeguarding intricate patterns and the oral histories embedded within them.
Sustainable Livelihoods: Creating economic opportunities that honor cultural heritage.

From an initial 40 women, participation grew to nearly 100 across three communities. Together, they produced hundreds of baskets, including ceremonial pieces such as bwana (Red Mat) and Tangbunia (Bank Basket/bridal basket), and functional items like ngerei fish traps and tampa household baskets. In May 2025, their work featured prominently during a traditional pig-killing ceremony for the installation of a village chief, highlighting women’s central role in ceremonial life, leadership, and cultural stewardship.

A milestone moment came on November 25, 2025, when over 60 women and girls came together for a weaving festival. The event celebrated achievements, facilitated intergenerational knowledge sharing, and strengthened networks committed to ensuring that Vavatuvwa continues to thrive for generations to come.

MWT’s role has been to provide mentorship and logistical support through our Vanuatu Chapter, guided by our Cultural Associate Selwyn Toa, ensuring the project remained rooted in local knowledge and kastom.

Through this initiative, the Ulin Maho Association has done more than revive a craft. They are weaving a stronger, more resilient future, preserving cultural identity, empowering women, and creating sustainable economic opportunities, all grounded in the power of cultural sovereignty.