Great Chiefdom of Hnathalo

Surrounded by a palisade, the great chief of the Wetr district’s traditional hut (Wetr comprises 17 tribes) can be found in Hnathalo and is one of the most beautiful traditional buildings in New Caledonia. The Grand Chief's hut (Umepö hnupel) is more than 12 m in diameter. It remains the symbol of customary organization with the central pole representing the great chief supporting his subjects, and the pillars of the perimeter, are as numerous as the clans that make up the tribe, each...