BBC NEWS | In Pictures | In pictures: Vanuatu's cargo cult

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Saturday, 17 February 2007, 15:50 GMT

In pictures: Vanuatu's cargo cult

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Villagers on the South Pacific island of Tanna in Vanuatu have been marking the 50th anniversary of the worship of a mystical figure.

Men march at cargo cult ceremony in Tanna

Men march at cargo cult ceremony in Tanna

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Men parade in old US army uniforms with wooden weapons as a giant Stars and Stripes flutters in the background.

Boy salutes at cargo cult ceremony in Tanna

Boy salutes at cargo cult ceremony in Tanna

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Some go bare-chested with the letters USA painted in red on their bodies.

Marching band at cargo cult ceremony in Tanna

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Among the tunes played during the ceremony is the Star Spangled Banner.

Chief Isaac (in blue) and commanders

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Worshippers, led by Chief Isaac Wan, believe the cult of John Frum will one day bring them wealth and happiness.

Boy ties US flags to a bush in Tanna

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This cargo cult is thought to have originated with war-time GIs who introduced themselves as "Jon from America".

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Related to this story:
Cargo cult lives on in South Pacific (17 Feb 07 | Asia-Pacific )
Vanuatu cargo cult marks 50 years (15 Feb 07 | Asia-Pacific )
Culture clash in the South Seas (20 May 04 | From Our Own Correspondent )
Timeline: Vanuatu (06 Dec 05 | Country profiles )