Cargo cults refer to a type of religious movement primarily observed in the South Pacific, especially in Melanesia, including parts of Papua New Guinea and Vanuatu. These movements arose in the early 20th century and became more prominent during and after World War II, largely as a response to the encounter between indigenous peoples and the advanced technology of foreign visitors, particularly the military forces of the United States and Japan.
The term “cargo cult” stems from the belief among these indigenous groups that certain ritualistic practices could lead to the delivery of goods (“cargo”) from the advanced nations. During the war, islands in the Pacific were strategically important, and the military built airstrips and bases, bringing in large amounts of supplies, or “cargo.”
To the indigenous peoples, the appearance of these goods was astonishing and seemingly magical, as they were delivered by airplanes and ships, technology that was entirely alien to them.
After the military forces left at the end of the war, the flow of goods ceased. In an attempt to bring back the “cargo,” some indigenous people formed cargo cults, adopting practices such as constructing mock airstrips, airplanes, and radio equipment out of local materials, performing rituals that mimicked the actions of the soldiers and airmen they observed, in the belief that these actions would attract the cargo. The most famous of these cults is probably the John Frum movement in Vanuatu, which anticipated the return of an American figure named John Frum, bringing wealth and prosperity.
Cargo cults are often cited in anthropological discussions as an example of syncretism, where new religious movements arise from the encounter between indigenous cultures and modern technological societies, blending traditional beliefs with new understandings and interpretations of the world. They also serve as a metaphor in various fields, such as software development and management, to describe slavish imitation of the superficial aspects of a process or system without understanding the underlying principles.
The John Frum Cargo Cult
John Frum is a mythical figure associated with the cargo cults on the island of Tanna in Vanuatu. According to local legend, John Frum promised to return with cargo, wealth, and prosperity, symbolizing resistance to colonial powers and a return to traditional ways of life, albeit enriched with the material wealth of the Western world. The origin of the John Frum figure is not clear, with theories suggesting he could have been a manifestation of American soldiers seen during World War II or a pre-existing local figure around whom new legends coalesced due to the circumstances of the time.
Despite the predictions and hopes of his followers, John Frum has not physically returned in the manner expected by the cargo cult adherents. However, the belief in his return and the rituals associated with it have persisted among certain groups on Tanna. The John Frum movement has evolved into a significant cultural and religious phenomenon on the island, with February 15th celebrated annually as John Frum Day. On this day, followers conduct parades, display the American flag, and perform rituals in anticipation of his return.
The persistence of the John Frum movement illustrates how cultural and religious beliefs can maintain their strength and influence over time, even in the absence of the prophesied events. It also reflects the profound impact of historical events, such as World War II, on indigenous cultures and the complex ways in which societies adapt to and interpret such encounters.
A behavioural explanation
When faced with occurrences or technologies that are difficult to explain within their traditional understanding of the world, societies, including those involved in cargo cults, often seek explanations that fit into their cultural and cosmological frameworks. This process can resemble a collective endeavour, where the “group mind” or collective consciousness of the community works together to interpret and integrate these experiences.
Collective Interpretation and Response
- Cognitive Dissonance:
Encounters with advanced technology and wealth, such as those experienced by Pacific Island societies during World War II, create a cognitive dissonance when they cannot be easily explained within the existing societal framework. The group must then reconcile these experiences with their worldview. - Collective Meaning-Making:
This reconciliation process involves collective meaning-making, where the community collectively develops narratives or rituals that incorporate the new phenomena into their cultural understanding. This can be seen as a communal cognitive process, where the “group mind” seeks to resolve the dissonance caused by the unexplained event. - Rituals and Narratives:
The creation of rituals, myths, and narratives around these events (e.g., the construction of mock airstrips or the anticipation of cargo) serves not only to explain the unexplainable but also to reassert control over a rapidly changing environment. These collective actions are manifestations of the community’s attempt to influence or come to terms with these changes. - Social Cohesion:
Such collective endeavours also serve to strengthen social cohesion in the face of external pressures or disruptions. By participating in shared rituals and beliefs, members of the community reinforce their identity and solidarity, providing psychological comfort and social stability.
The Role of the Group Mind
The concept of a “group mind” in this context can be understood as the shared cognitive and emotional processes that guide how a community interprets and responds to significant changes or challenges. It highlights the social and collective nature of human cognition, emphasizing how individuals within a community can come together to create shared understandings and responses to their experiences.
This collective process of making sense of the extraordinary reflects the adaptability and resilience of human societies. It underscores the importance of culture, shared beliefs, and communal rituals in navigating the uncertainties and disruptions of the world, allowing communities to maintain coherence and continuity even in the face of profound change.