Culture of the Cocos (Keeling) Islands

Although it is an Australian External Territory, the culture of the Cocos (Keeling) Islands has extensive influences from Malaysia and Indonesia.

A typical street on Home Island.

Background

Languages, traditions, religious holidays, cuisine and customs have all been heavily influenced by the islands' large Cocos Malay population. Many of these islanders trace their descent from the original planation workers brought to the island by John Clunies-Ross. During much of their habitation, the islands were isolated, leading to the development of a unique culture derived from Malay and Islamic traditions.[1]

When the Islands were fully integrated into Australia in 1984, it was introduced to the customs and culture of Mainland Australia, practiced predominantly by the ethnically European Australians who inhabit West Island.

All Islanders are governed by Australian law. Language, gazetted holidays, education, media and cuisine are also influenced by mainland Australia.

Art and traditional crafts

The Islands have a strong history of art and traditional crafts influenced by Cocos Malay traditions and Australian surf culture. The Islands' tourism office encourages visitors to try their hand at traditional basket weaving and "learn about traditional jukong (boat) building".[2]

On Home Island, residents have established a museum dedicated to the Islands' former copra industry and an art gallery, The Big Barge Art Centre, which sells traditional artworks, modern paintings and photographic works and hosts art workshops for tourists.[3]

Religion

In the 2016 census, 75% of the population was Muslim.[4] Eid AlFitr (at the end of Ramadan) remains the Islands' "biggest event" of the year.[2]

The majority of the remaining population consider themselves non-religious (13.4%) with small Christian including Anglican (3.5%) and Catholic (1.5%). 6.5% of the population chose not to state their religion.[4]

Holidays

On April 6th of each year, the Islanders celebrate Self Determination Day, marking the date in which they voted for full integration into Australia.[5]

See also

References
  1. Services, Regional. "Cocos Islands environment and heritage". www.regional.gov.au. Retrieved 15 August 2020.
  2. "Cocos (Keeling) Islands - cultural experiences". Archived from the original on 17 August 2013. Retrieved 15 September 2013.
  3. "Cocos (Keeling) Islands - The Big Barge Art Centre". Archived from the original on 16 October 2013. Retrieved 16 September 2013.
  4. Australian Bureau of Statistics (27 June 2017). "Cocos (Keeling) Islands". 2016 Census QuickStats. Retrieved 10 October 2019.
  5. Wynne, Emma (6 April 2019). "There was trouble in paradise until Cocos Islanders changed their destiny". ABC News. Retrieved 15 August 2020.


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