Cargo cults – imitation without understanding

During World War II, the Japanese and Allies took turns occupying the islands of Melanesia. Both sides flew in loads of cargo–supplies and military equipment. After the war, the supplies stopped coming but charismatic cult leaders took advantage of the deep desire for more. “The islanders carved headphones from wood and wore them while sitting in fabricated control towers. They waved the landing signals while standing on the runways. They lit signal fires and torches to light up runways and lighthouses.” | learn more