Traditional hut

The hut is the endogenous Kanak architectural element. It is found everywhere, adorning the landscape with its shape and silhouette.

It is built entirely of plant material taken from the surrounding forest reserve. Consequently, from one area to another, we may find that the materials used are different.

Inside the hut, a hearth is built on the floor between the entrance and the centre pole that defines a collective living space covered with pandanus leaf (ixoe) woven mats, and a mattress of coconut leaves (behno). Endogenous, the round hut is the translation of physical and material into the Melanesian culture and social relations within the clan.

The traditional hut has several features:

• The round shape that defines a space for collective life, is conducive to discussions, exchange and maintaining a community spirit.
• The structure of the only door measures about 1.50 m, which requires the visitor who enters or leaves the hut to be seen and to bow down as a sign of respect for the inhabitants of the hut.
• Each piece of wood, and where it is placed in the building, has a utility, the same as each clan member has a place and a function in the social structure. The joints represent alliances, the relations between members of the community.