Dugongs - the last remaining Mermaids: Beast lore (Eco-lore), Post-colonialism and maritime Cultural Tourism in New Caledonia

Authors

Keywords:

Mermaid, Dugong, Cultural Tourism, Eco-Tourism, New Caledonia, Kanak, Post-colonialism, Eco-lore,

Abstract

This paper considers the 'Dugongs, les dernières sirens’, or, 'Dugongs: the last remaining mermaids' exhibition at Aquarium des Lagons in New Caledonia as a touristic commodification of the maritime beast lore of the dugong (or mermaid). In unpacking the exhibit several other themes emerge, such as the absence of Kanak perspectives and issues of colonization / de-colonization.

Author Biographies

A. Asbjørn Jøn, University of Canterbury

A. Asbjørn Jøn is currently researching tensions between public memory and the authorized heritage discourse. He is conducting that research through the Department of Anthropology, University of Canterbury [New Zealand].

Lyndon Fraser, University of Canterbury

Lyndon Fraser is a Christchurch-based historian who works at the University of Canterbury in Christchurch, New Zealand, and as a Research Fellow in Human History at the Canterbury Museum. His latest books include (with Lloyd Carpenter) Rushing For Gold: Life and Commerce on the Goldfields of New Zealand and Australia (Dunedin: Otago University Press, 2016).

C. Michael Hall, University of Canterbury

C. Michael Hall is a Professor in the Department of Management, Marketing & Entrepreneurship, University of Canterbury, Christchurch, New Zealand. He is also Docent in the Department of Geography, University of Oulu, Finland; and a Visiting Professor in the Business School, Linneaus University, Kalmar, Sweden. He has published widely on tourism, heritage, environmental history and environmental change.

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Published

2018-12-08

Issue

Vol. 32 (2017): Remembering Phil Garland and exploring New Caledonia

Section

International and Comparative Studies

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