Tanna is the most populated island in the southern Vanuatu province of TAFEA, with an estimated population of 20,000. Steeped in a strong custom - even for Vanuatu standards - Tanna can be both awe inspiring as well as a place of dark foreboding!
Tanna is best known for its active volcano, Mount Yasur, one of the few active volcanoes in the world which visitors can view at close quarters!
Whilst not the largest island, as mentioned they have the largest population of the southern islands. Throughout history the Tannese people have shown to be more resilient to outside viruses and diseases which heavily reduced the populations of larger island in the TAFEA region in the late 1800's. In fact Man-Tanna are known to be extremely tough both physically and mentally. Of all the islands in Vanuatu, Man-Tanna are the strongest in regards to retaining their custom, more often then not shunning Christianity which was brought to them by missionaries throughout the 1800 and 1900's.
Above is an example of their mental toughness however the following stories best describes Man-tanna's physical durability and skill. Of the 13 man Vanuatu boxing team that went to the Tongan Oceania Olympic Qualifying Tournament in 2004, 10 of them were Man Tanna. Competing against larger neighbours such as Australia, NZ and Fiji they came away with 3 medals, including the silver medal in the 69 kilos class to Man-Tanna - Mark Peter. In recent international boxing events run by the MCI company, standing ovations were the order of the day for the Tannese boxers who won most of their fights with pure grit and determination against better skilled boxers from Australia.
Recent media attention has highlighted the purity and strengh of Man Tanna's custom in comparison to western cultures. Of particular note was the hugely successful documentary "Meet the Natives". A UK production company took a group of Man Tanna - from an area which worships Prince Phillip as a deity - to the UK. The plan was to put them with various families from different socio economic groups. The outcome was truly inspiring.Below is a youtube preview of the show:
For more information on Tanna island and its people check out the following links:
