Cultural reflections of the South Pacific
In the vast blue Pacific Ocean between the Hawaiian Islands and Australia lie some of the most beautiful, unspoiled island destinations of our planet. Proceeding westward across the Pacific from Polynesia to Melanesia and Micronesia, we find islands Fiji, Vanuatu, Papua New Guinea, Cook Islands, Samoan Islands, Tahiti, Tonga, Niue , Kiribati ,New Caledonia and a host of small islands. The diverse cultures of these 7000 to 10000 islands of the South Pacific have been shaped by isolation, migration and the vast ocean settings. These forces have in turn influenced the local styles of music and dance. The Pacific Islands are not just admired for its beauty but also for its fabulous dances and music. Music and dance is an integral part of the life of South Pacific islanders. Indeed, the songs and dances are woven into the very fabric of everyday life. For many South Pacific people, dance is one of the crucial threads that bind past, present and future. The Islanders are natural musicians, who love to hear and sing good music. They compose songs for every trivial occasion. This vibrant region offers the explorer, myriad of opportunities in cultures, festivals and in foods.
Fiji is the land of broad smiles, flashing white teeth; gentle relaxation with absolutely no stress .The music of Fiji represents not only its indigenous traditions but that of India, China, Europe and other Pacific islands. The most popular traditional Fijian dance is the meke in which voices and dance are combined. Different types of meke include the war dance, men’s club and spear dance, as well as the men’s or women’s fan dance. Women’s standing dance and the sitting dance are performed by men or women. Both men and women perform in the meke, and the dance is viewed as a mixed dance in which men are expected to demonstrate their virile movements, while women are expected to be graceful and feminine. Poi is another form of dance performed at fire-walking shows. Poi is now performed primarily by women, who often mix singing with the traditional poi dance movements. Fijian music styles and structures include Polynesian and Melanesian music with the variation in style between one area and another.Vanuatu Islands known as ‘Land Eternal’ is a “Y” shaped chain of 83 islands lying 800km west of Fiji. It’s a land of volcanoes and magic, underwater ship wrecks, ancient art and dance, waterfalls ,organic foods and myriad of hidden bays and beaches . The traditional music of Vanuatu feature instruments such as the tam-tam drum, which is intricately carved from a log, as well as pan-pipes, conch shells and gongs. Popular genres of modern commercial music, which are currently being played in towns, include zouk music and reggaeton. Reggaeton is a variation of hip-hop rapped in Spanish language, played alongside its own distinctive beat. The traditional music of Vanuatu is still thriving in the rural areas.
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Cultural Reflections of the South Pacific - Part 2
By Srimal Fernando
New Guinea and the string of islands which surrounds it, have related arts. The music of Papua New Guinea has a long history. Traditional celebrations, which include song, dance, feasting and gift-giving, are called sing-sing. Vibrant and colourful costumes adorn the dancers, while a leader and a chorus sing a staggered approach to the same song, producing a fugue-like effect. Tahiti is the largest island in the windward group of French Polynesia. Tahitian dance Otea, is a traditional dance from Tahiti, where the dancers, standing in several rows, execute different figures. This dance can easily be recognized by its fast hip-shaking, and grass skirts. Tahitian culture includes an oral tradition that include mythology of various gods and beliefs as well as ancient traditions such as tattooing and navigation. The Hawaiian hula and the Tahitian tamuré are probably better known because of its wider publicity for the last 100 years. But the Cook Islands hura is far more sensual and fierce.
The Cook islands are a stunning necklace of islands. Cook Islanders have retained much of their ancient culture. Polynesian identity can be observed in its dance and drama at various events during the year, particularly during Constitutional Celebrations. Cook Islanders share a genuine care for others. Although the islanders are now Christians, the old culture lives on even now with song, and dance. The culture, traditions, arts and crafts are distinct from all other Pacific islands. Nowhere else will you feel so natural at one with the islands' way of life. Among main genres of Cook Islands music and dance are drum dancing (‘ura pa’u), choreographed group dancing (kaparima) to string band music, dance. Dramas (peu tupuna) based on island legends, religious pageants (nuku), formal chants (pe’e), celebratory song/chants (‘ute), and polyphonic choral music (‘imene tapu) or hymns are common. In the Cook Islands the dancers keep their feet apart, while in Tahiti the feet are together in dancing. Presently Samoan music has adopted guitars and other musical instruments, dance, which relies solely upon the performer's body still requires the performer to retain grace and move their arms and hands in the approved fashion. Initially there were two instruments in use. They are pate a hollowed out, log drum and the fala, a rolled up mat beaten with sticks. Siva is the Samoan word for dance, but it also refers to a particular type of dance in which the performer usually stands and enacts an everyday activity. For the siva the performer usually wears a tuiga, a head dress made of feathers and human hair. Unlike several of the other islanders’ dances the best time to see Samoan dancing is at a fia-fia. Traditional chants, church singing, bamboo and string bands, nose flute, love song and action dances can be seen during festival.
Kingdom of Tonga comprising 169 islands and stretches over a distance of about 500 miles. Traditional songs, passed down over the generations, are still sung. Tonga have Tongans tunes they are simple, and their lyrics are short. The singing and drumming is a must during traditional dance performances. Traditional music is performed at royal and noble weddings, funerals, and during the traditional ceremony of apology, the lou-ifi. The music of New Caledonia includes a folk music heritage in the Melanesian tradition. In New Caledonia, music is a fundamental element of every traditional ceremony. The range of instruments includes conch shells, rhythm instruments and bamboo flutes. The traditional culture and customs, combined with the friendly welcoming nature of the people South Pacific region has a great deal to offer.
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