honorable mention
Marieke van der Heijden netherlandsPhoto © Marieke van der Heijden
title
All is one
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entry description
The Yakel people are one of the last tribal communities living on Tanna – a remote island in the Melanesian archipelago of Vanuatu. Although the Yakel are aware of the outside world, they are committed to stay true to their own traditional culture (kastom) and therefore reject western influences such as formal education. Considered being amongst the happiest nations on earth the Yakel find their happiness in a non-materialistic way of living in harmony with Mother Nature combined with a strong social community living. Nowadays inter-tribal arranged marriages still play a crucial role in maintaining social stability.about the photographer
Marie van der Heijden lives in Amsterdam and works globally as a journalist and photographer. Besides contributing to national Dutch newspapers and magazines she also publishes in international renowned magazines as National Geographic.back to gallery