Melanesia constitutes with various social and cultural units or we can say social orders. By social order, we say the existence in a geographical entity which is not necessarily continuous, however giving rise to patterned relations among humans, with the nature and also with the supernatural.

Every cultural society in Melanesia have different social structures and institutions, social relations, social interactions and behaviour, cultural norms, beliefs and values.

Each of these social orders were self-independent which possessed of its origins and defined to its territorial boundaries and each was complete in itself, yet reliant with each other in some ways.

The existence of a community in a society is very essential to the emergence of a social order.

In an area where it is abound with gods, ancestral spirit or other supernatural beings, they alone do not constitute a social order. Spiritual beings occupy particular areas where they feel comfortable living in. Their influence is mostly marked in the areas where they dwell in.

Communities with humans and supernatural communities interact with each other in a way that social relations emerge. Spiritual beings require a place to exist and they do not confined to it. Such spiritual beings are identifiable by the humans and are ‘owned by’ or have other relations with humans.

The human community is essential for social order.

Melanesian communities live in a well- defined society as hunters and gatherers, fishermen and settled agriculturalists. However, it does not mean they were settled in a particular area for a long time, hence they move from one place to another in search of their necessities.

Social relations between and among people is very important which helps them to rely on each other and to socialize with each other without any subordination.

Social order exists in all societies in Melanesia. And all activities in the communities are conducted according to the social structures such as marriage, exchange ceremonies, land ownership, social obligations and duties and social rights. This also includes the intercourse between the humans and the supernatural powers.

Sharing of common social values between communities is not ordained however, it is assumed to have positive effects on survival and continuity of the people.

Despite the diversity of languages and cultures in Melanesia, the elements of unity in social values are common in most communities.

Flora Kageni

Melanesian Institute