Es el primer sitio inscrito en este país. Consiste en tres sitios del siglo XVII situados en las islas de Efaté, Lelepa y Artok (actualmente en el centro de Vanuatu) asociados con la vida y la muerte del último detentor del título de jefe o Roi Mata. El bien inscrito comprende la morada del Roi Mata, el lugar en el que murió y un sitio funerario colectivo. Está estrechamente asociado con las tradiciones orales de ese jefe y con los valores morales que defendía. El sitio refleja la convergencia entre la tradición oral y la arqueología. Atestigua también la persistencia de las reformas sociales emprendidas por el Roi Mata, que pusieron fin a conflictos que todavía son actuales para los habitantes de la región.

Valor universal excepcional en inglés

The continuing cultural landscape of Chief Roi Mata’s domain, Vanuatu, has Outstanding Universal Value as an outstanding example of a landscape representative of Pacific chiefly systems. This is reflected in the interaction of people with their environment over time in respecting the tangible remains associated with Roi Mata and being guided by the spiritual and moral legacy of his social reforms. The landscape reflects continuing Pacific chiefly systems and respect for this authority through tabu prohibitions on use of Roi Mata’s residence and burial that have been observed for over 400 years and structured the local landscape and social practices. The landscape memorialises the deeds of Roi Mata who still lives for many people in contemporary Vanuatu as a source of power and inspiration. Criterion (iii): Chief Roi Mata’s Domain is a continuing cultural landscape reflecting the way chiefs derive their authority from previous title holders, and in particular how the tabu prohibitions on the use of Roi Mata’s residence and burial site have been observed for 400 years and continue to structure the local landscape and social practices. Criterion (v): Chief Roi Mata’s Domain is an outstanding example of a landscape representative of Pacific chiefly systems and the connection between Pacific people and their environment over time reflected in respect for the tangible remains of the three key sites associated with Roi Mata, guided by the spiritual and moral legacy of his social reforms. Criterion (vi): Chief Roi Mata’s Domain still lives for many people in contemporary Vanuatu, as a source of power evident through the landscape and as an inspiration for people negotiating their lives. The authenticity of Chief Roi Mata’s Domain lies in the continuing association of the landscape with the oral traditions of Roi Mata, continuity of chiefly systems of authority and customary respect for the tangible remains of his life evident in the continuing tabu prohibitions on these places. he legal protection of the nominated areas and their buffer zones are adequate. The overall management system for the property is adequate, involving both traditional management through the chiefly system and tabu prohibitions and government legislation for protection of the site. The management system involves the local community and government administrative bodies. The integrity of the site is thus maintained.