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These are some of our Vanuatu souvenirs. The pig tusk ("tooth-blong-pig" in Bislama) on the right was obtained from Philip's Aunt Priscilla. Curled tusks have enormous traditional significance to Melanesians and are a feature of the Vanuatu flag. After the pig's top teeth were knocked out, its tusks curled around and it was not allowed to forage for food. Priscilla hand-fed her pig for years as it became more and more valuable. After the tusks made complete circles and grew back into their own roots she killed it. Nina sometimes wears the circular tusk as a bracelet but it may deserve a place in a museum. |