ABSTRACT
This chapter begins with oral traditions, particularly those from people with inland 'bush' origins, which provide a good outline of the way people used to live in the olden days. The New Georgian "wet-and-dry" complex, although representative of widespread patterns in Oceanic agriculture has profound cultural meaning far beyond its immediate associations with crops and cultivation. Old Marovo prior to the first encounters with Europeans was indeed full of "contact" with other people – friends, strangers and foes. Oral history and linguistic evidence provides confirmation for the special place occupied by taro in the agroforestry system of old Marovo. Andrew Cheyne's reference to sweet potatoes is intriguing – and seems to be good and solid evidence for a very early date for the introduction of this crop to New Georgia. The taro/Canarium equation would seem the most crucial of these relationships, as summarised most clearly in the all-important feast puddings, which must consist of both of the ingredients.
