Nakamal

A small nakamal on Pentecost Island

A nakamal (a Bislama word from vernacular terms such as Raga gamali) is a traditional meeting place in Vanuatu. A nakamal is found in every significant rural Vanuatu community.

In north and central Vanuatu, the nakamal generally takes the form of a large building, assembled from traditional materials with the help of the entire community, under the direction of a particular chief. Entry to the nakamal is often restricted to men, and the building may be used as a sleeping and living area for unmarried men and boys and for male visitors to the village. Significantly, most nakamals lack a lockable door, indicating that all friendly visitors are welcome, although there may be a low barrier across the entrance to keep out animals.

In southern Vanuatu, a nakamal may be a large, sheltered outdoor space, such as under a banyan tree.

The nakamal may be used for meetings and ceremonies of various kinds, but its main function nowadays is as a place for the preparation and drinking of kava. In urban Vanuatu society the term nakamal is increasingly synonymous with "kava bar".

See also

• Kava culture