If serious illness struck a person the assistance of spirits would be sought, but it was necessary that the victim of the illness confess any moral transgression which may have offended the spirit. Truth and respect for property were highly valued attributes and it was through the spirits that the code was maintained. The influence of Christian Missionaries and taking on 'western behaviour' has changed some of these outlooks and customs. Today the dead are buried in communal or private cemeteries. It has become one of the most popular of the traditional dances across the country.
Many villages have string bands and there is an annual string band competition.
Manus The Environment Manus Island is covered by thick lush rainforest. Surrounding the main island are many other islands, some of which are coral atolls. There are many coral reefs teaming with marine life just off the coasts. The islands of the Admiralty Group lie between 1degree and 50 minutes south and 3 degrees and are bounded by the longitudes 146 degrees and 20 minutes east and 148 degrees and 20 minutes east. Manus lies on a volcanic arc which sweeps up from the Solomon Islands and encloses the Bismarck Sea.