Bebea Community Builds a Traditional Paele to Protect Its Cultural Heritage
IKI-supported initiative strengthens cultural preservation, intergenerational learning, and future community tourism opportunities in the Roviana Lagoon.
The Bebea community is advancing construction of a traditional Paele to protect its culturally significant Tomoko canoe, combining Indigenous knowledge, customary leadership, and community cooperation to preserve Roviana cultural heritage for future generations.
Supported through the Islands Knowledge Institute (IKI)’s MOR Community Support initiative under the Melanesia Ocean Reserve (MOR), the project reflects the ongoing relationship between IKI and the Bebea community. In 2025, Bebea welcomed the IKI media team and generously shared its people, places, and deep connections with the sea through filming and photography for the MOR campaign.
The Western Province Traditional Tomoko war canoe. IKI/Jovi Totorea
Following the filming, IKI sought to maintain its relationship with the Bebea community. When the IKI team returned to present photographs taken during the initial visit, they asked how they could appropriately acknowledge the community’s contribution. After discussing several options, the community identified the construction of a traditional Paele to shelter the Tomoko as its preferred choice. The support reflects IKI’s appreciation and commitment to reciprocity, ensuring that the community’s contribution is acknowledged in a meaningful way shaped by its own priorities. It is an expression of gratitude to the Bebea community.
Built in 2023 for the Lagoon Festival in Munda, the Tomoko represents an important expression of Roviana identity, ancestral heritage, and community pride. Exposure to sunlight, heavy rainfall, and humidity has contributed to the deterioration of its timber, carvings, and structural joints. The Paele will provide culturally appropriate protection while supporting the canoe’s continued use in cultural events and community activities.
During August and September 2026, the community completed site selection, traditional design, and the collection and preparation of natural building materials. More than ten young people and more than ten women have contributed alongside men, elders, and traditional craftsmen. Their participation supports practical skills transfer, including traditional construction and sago palm leaf weaving. Neighboring communities assisted with collecting and transporting building materials.
The Tomoko war canoe Paele built by the community in completion progress. IKI/John Maefasimaoma.
Beyond protecting the canoe, the Paele is expected to support cultural education and community-based tourism. Bebea has previously organised day tours where elders shared the Tomoko’s history and cultural significance with visitors. Once completed, the shelter could provide a suitable venue for these experiences, creating opportunities to share Roviana traditions and generate income towards maintaining the canoe and facility.
The project demonstrates that meaningful partnerships extend beyond collecting stories and images. By recognizing Bebea community contributions and respecting local priorities, IKI is supporting a relationship grounded in gratitude, Indigenous knowledge, and community leadership.
A visit to the Paele construction site by IKI staff. IKI/Pana Paza
Construction is progressing towards roofing and traditional interior carvings. Once completed, the Paele will help safeguard the Tomoko and provide a place for cultural knowledge, craftsmanship, and stories to be passed on to future generations.
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