Paper short abstract:

This paper discusses a range of visual strakja (‘structure’; organisational structures) that depict changing imaginings and expectations of formal appropriation within contemporary Vanuatu.

Paper long abstract:

This paper explores the visual representation of organisations and communities in Vanuatu. The creation of abstract images depicting social or political-economic institutions is not new to Vanuatu, but pre-dates European arrival, and can be found for instance in sand-drawings, architectural designs, and as mapped onto biological forms - particularly trees and root crops. In post-independence Vanuatu the creation of a viable strakja ('structure'; organisational structure), visually represented in the form of a diagram or organisational chart, is typically considered a prerequisite to the formation and effective functioning of any organisation or group. This includes state-related 'official' bodies (such as national and local councils, political parties and related organisations), businesses and co-operatives, and a great range of local interest groups (sports, youth, women's groups, etc). While internally generating 'the effects of their own realities by reflecting on themselves' (Riles 2001:3), such technologies express local imaginings and expectations regarding the constitution of legitimate political-economic form, hierarchy or sociality. This is particularly the case for those organisations seeking to appropriate funding, 'development' or other services from Government, NGO, and other 'external' sources. Related social reifications, found in festival programs, meeting agendas, and official speeches, etc, are also of interest for the way in which they aim to complete an image of society that is both ideal and holistic. This paper discusses a range of visual strakja that depict the changing imaginings and expectations of formal appropriation within contemporary Vanuatu.