SPLA : Portal to cultural diversity
Cultures-Vanuatu

Michel Rangie

  • Michel Rangie
© Michel Rangie
Sculptor / carver
Principal country concerned : Column : Arts and crafts
Vanuatu

Michel Rangie draws inspiration from his cultural heritage and the spiritual and social traditions of his place of origins, the Vanuatu Island of Ambrym. The geographically isolated northern part of the island still widely retains tribal customs and kastom -customary government, law, and religion. A variety of artefacts are created to accompany rituals and ceremonies, to mark commemorations and a diversity of events. Rangie's oeuvre is directly influenced by these traditional crafts. Ambrymese society is structured around chiefs who rise through a series of grades, and rises in rank are marked with ceremonies and the creation of mague. Made of carved black palm and painted with synthetic colours, the totemic figures each have its uniqueness, according to the social grade of the chief to which it is dedicated.

Source : the cultural trip

Partners

  • Alliance Française VANUATU
  • PACIFIC ARTS ALLIANCE
  • FURTHER ARTS

With the support of