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The Land Divers of Pentecost

First transmitted in 1960, David Attenborough marvels at the dry land diving custom performed by male islanders during his expedition of the South West Pacific Islands.

First transmitted in 1960, in this series David Attenborough undertakes an expeditionary tour of the South West Pacific in search of disappearing indigenous customs and rituals.

David Attenborough was personally invited to the region by none other than the reigning monarch of Tonga, Queen Salote, to attend the Tongan Royal Kava Ceremony.

On their way to Tonga, David and his team explore the South West Pacific, travelling to numerous islands and immersing themselves in this exotic culture.

The journey starts at the islands of the New Hebrides. In Pentecost, David Attenborough marvels at a diving custom performed by male islanders. From a 100ft (30m) tower vantage point platform, male islanders complete death-defying dry land diving stunts.

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30 minutes

Last on

Thu 21 Apr 1960 20:30
Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Television Service

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Sir David Attenborough - The Early Years

Sir David Attenborough - The Early Years

This programme is part of a Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Four Collection showcasing the early work of Sir David Attenborough.


About Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Four Collection programmes

Programmes are selected, in part, for their historical context and reflect the broadcast standards and attitudes of their time, which may not accord to some current Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ editorial guidelines. We aim to select programmes which can be shown in their entirety but in some cases edits are required.

Broadcast

  • Thu 21 Apr 1960 20:30
    Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Television Service

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