Toman Islander, Malvaxal in Vanuatu

The Toman Islander, Malvaxal have only been reported in Vanuatu
Population
Main Language
Largest Religion
Christian
Evangelical
Progress
Progress Gauge

Introduction / History

Eighty-two islands, strung like pearls across 800 miles of the south Pacific, comprise Vanuatu. Most of the atolls of this nation, located 1,100 miles east of Australia, are volcanic, with high mountains and rich soil.

Two legends demonstrate how traditional religion weaves together the basic worldview in this part of Vanuatu. In one, on the Banks Islands of Vanuatu, Qat, a creator god, hero and the first being, formed the islands and filled them with trees, animals and plants. Then, carving dolls from wood and dancing and singing them into life, he made humans and created day and night so they could work and then sleep.

In another legend, a creator god sprinkled the ground with his own blood and made twin brothers, To-Kabinana and To-Karvuvu, in the islands of Vanuatu and New Britain. Becoming a creator hero, To- Kabinana produced many good things, while his brother brought evil and troubles to the world.

Most Naha 'ai, or Malfaxal as they are also called, revere many deities and adhere to strict rituals to maintain life's balance. Christians show their faith through church attendance. Anyone inactive in church risks being accused of sorcery.

Between volcanic mountains, farmers raise livestock and cultivate enough vegetables and fruit to feed their families. In addition to farming, many fish and others make a livelihood in tourism.


Prayer Points

Scripture Prayers for the Toman Islander, Malvaxal in Vanuatu.


Profile Source:   Anonymous  

People Name General Toman Islander
People Name in Country Toman Islander, Malvaxal
Alternate Names Malfaxal; Malvaxal
Population this Country 900
Population all Countries 900
Total Countries 1
Indigenous Yes
Progress Scale 5
Unreached No
Frontier People Group No
GSEC 1  (per PeopleGroups.org)
Pioneer Workers Needed
People ID 15547
ROP3 Code 110145
ROP25 Code 308240
ROP25 Name Toman Islander
Country Vanuatu
Region Australia and Pacific
Continent Oceania
10/40 Window No
National Bible Society Website
Persecution Rank Not ranked
Location in Country Malampa province: south Malekula.   Source:  Ethnologue 2016
Country Vanuatu
Region Australia and Pacific
Continent Oceania
10/40 Window No
National Bible Society Website
Persecution Rank Not ranked
Location in Country Malampa province: south Malekula..   Source:  Ethnologue 2016
Primary Religion: Christianity
Major Religion Percent
Buddhism
0.00 %
Christianity  (Evangelical 44.00 %)
98.00 %
Ethnic Religions
2.00 %
Hinduism
0.00 %
Islam
0.00 %
Non-Religious
0.00 %
Other / Small
0.00 %
Unknown
0.00 %
Primary Language Naha'ai
Language Code mlx   Ethnologue Listing
Language Written Yes   ScriptSource Listing
Total Languages 1
Primary Language Naha'ai
Language Code mlx   Ethnologue Listing
Total Languages 1
People Groups Speaking Naha'ai

Primary Language:  Naha'ai

Bible Translation Status  (Years)
Bible-Portions Yes  (1918-1987)
Bible-New Testament No
Bible-Complete No
Possible Print Bibles
Amazon
World Bibles
Forum Bible Agencies
National Bible Societies
World Bible Finder
Virtual Storehouse
Resource Type Resource Name Source
Audio Recordings Audio Bible teaching Global Recordings Network
Map Source Anonymous  
Profile Source Anonymous 
Data Sources Data is compiled from various sources. Learn more.



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