Banaban Study Series
Banaban Cultural Identity
by Raobeia Ken Sigrah and Stacey M. King
 
For years, scholars and colonial administrators have linked the Banabans to the I-Kiribati race, shaping the prevailing societal and political landscape of the Banaban people. Nevertheless, true historical accounts and origins have remained closely guarded secrets. Te Aka clan have been notoriously secretive about their identity, keeping their heritage hidden from outsiders.
 
The turning point comes with Lampert's archaeological findings at the Aka sacred burial ground. These discoveries challenge the existing narrative, suggesting that the Banabans were once part of a distinct and unique race, both physically and culturally, before assimilation processes began to reshape their population.
 
Banaban Cultural Identity examines Te Aka artifacts, presenting compelling evidence to support the argument that the Banabans' origins have never been accurately documented from their own perspective. Through the words of the Banaban people, passed down by their forefathers for generations, the true story of their ancestry unfolds.
 
Adapted from Conference Paper: Islands of the World VIII International Conference "Changing Islands - Changing Worlds" 1-7 November 2004, Kinmen Island (Quemoy), Taiwan.
 
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