Kava bar

{{Italic title

A ''nakamal'' is a traditional meeting place in Vanuatu. It is used for gatherings, ceremonies and the drinking of kava.

A nakamal is found in every significant Vanuatu community, but the design of the nakamal and the traditions surrounding it vary between areas.

Etymology

The term ''nakamal'' is a Bislama word, borrowed from certain Oceanic languages spoken in Vanuatu, such as North Efate. In those languages, such a form can be parsed as ''na kamal'', combining the common article ''na'' and a noun ''kamal'' or ''kamali''. Ultimately, it descends from a Proto-Oceanic and Proto-Malayo-Polynesian etymon ''*kamaliR'', meaning "men's house". Cognates in non-Oceanic languages include Cebuano and Tagalog ''kamalig'' “granary”.

Traditional nakamals

In north and central Vanuatu, the nakamal generally takes the form of a large building, assembled from traditional materials with the help of the entire community, under the direction of a particular chief. Entry to the nakamal is often restricted to men, and the building may be used as a sleeping and living area for unmarried men and boys and for male visitors to the village. Significantly, most nakamals lack a lockable door, indicating that all friendly visitors are welcome, although there may be a low barrier across the entrance to keep out animals.

In front of a nakamal there is often a flattened clearing, or ''nasara'', used for dances and outdoor gatherings.

In southern Vanuatu, a nakamal may be a large, sheltered outdoor space, such as under a banyan tree.

In Vanuatu's capital Port Vila, the assembly building of the national council of chiefs (Malvatumauri) is designed in the form of a traditional nakamal.

''Nakamal'' as ''kava'' bars

The ''nakamals most prominent function nowadays is as a place for the preparation and drinking of '' kava''. In urban Vanuatu, and in neighbouring New Caledonia, the term ''nakamal'' may be used for a kava bar where the drink is sold, although in rural Vanuatu a traditional nakamal (where ''kava'' preparation is a communal activity and money does not usually change hands) is distinct from a kava bar.

An urban ''nakamal'' or ''kava'' bar at which ''kava'' is available for sale is advertised by a coloured light displayed at the entrance.

See also

*Kava culture
*Tiki culture
**Tiki bar

Buildings and structures in Vanuatu
Kava
Melanesian culture
Bislama words and phrases