Matangi Island

Postal

matangi island map

Map

matangi island artistamps

Postal

The Matangi Island Philatelic Bureau has issued the several stamps since its inception including the examples shown below. The current postal rate is 76 drookmas (the equivilent of 2 coconuts or 33 U.S. cents) for postcards and envelopes under 500 grams. Click on images to see a larger picture.

M.I. Wildfire Danger
Special Series
November 2003
M.I. Wildfire Danger *
Matangi Island Diva
Tricksters of Matangi
November 2003
Matangi Island Diva *

Gizney Crab
Fauna of Matangi Series
November 2003
Gizney Crab*
matangi island day of the dead artistamp 2002
matangi island day of the dead artistamp 2003
October 2002
October 2003 *
Dia De Los Muertos (Official AML Swap)

King FunopakiQueen JemukaPrincess DarhiChuko
Rulers of Matangi Series
November 2002
King Funopaki, Queen Jemuka, Princess Darhi, Chuko

matangi island guano artistampmatangi island rock art artistampmatangi island palm trees artistampmatangi island snorkeling artistamp

First Official Stamp Series
June 2002
(also known as the "Sunset" series)

* The following stamp sets are still available for purchase: Matangi Island Diva (30 stamp sheet), Gizney Crab (15 Stamp Sheet) and Day of the Dead 2003 (15 Stamp Sheet). All Stamps are high resolution prints on glossy paper. Stamps are gummed and perforated. Contact me for details.

matangi island postmark

Official Postmark

Matangi Island is proud of it's postal system! The entire island and the neighboring islands are served by a modern fleet of banca boats. These wooden hulled boats with bamboo outriggers are sturdy and quick. The postal workers can easily deliver the mail to all the island inhabitants in less than 7 hours. International mail service is provided once a day via airplane.

Prior to the construction of the banca boat fleet, messages were delivered by an elaborate system of drummers who would pound out the "telegraphs" on native drums placed strategically around the coastline.

There was also a small commercial venture named BatGrams which used specially trained carrier bats to deliver small notes between the islands. The company was started by a expatriate Australian man, Charlie Sheean, who was quite successful until the bat plague of 1903 put him out of business.

The modern postal system is a lot more efficient than in the past, with a strong commitment to keeping the communication lines open and affordable. The island postal employees are a courageous bunch who are proud of their slogan:

"Neither rain, nor sharks, nor typhoon gods shall stop the banca-post from making their appointed rounds.”

Web design brought to you by the silly folks at kiyotei's den * Copywrong 2003