Streaming Pacific Videos: Polynesia

Link to Video (60 minutes)
"Begins a 2000-years-ago chronicle of people who ventured into the unknown Pacific with plants, animals, fishing skills, and horticulture--all of which they grafted onto the wild volcanic islands of Tahiti and the Marquesas."

Link to Video (24 minutes)
"Traces the journeys of Hawaiian voyaging canoes Hōkūleʻa, as well as Hawaiʻiloa and Makaliʻi to the Marquesas Islands in the South Pacific for a revival of the ancient Polynesian custom of gathering together from all corners of Polynesia. Kumuhonua, a delegation of Hawaiian students from Kamehameha Schools, visited the Marquesas Islands, exploring the people's culture and sharing their own. Canoes from New Zealand, Raʻiatea, and the Cook Islands also gathered in the Marquesas to appreciate and perpetuate the ancient sea voyaging heritage of Polynesians who navigated by the sea and the stars."

Link to Video (30 minutes)
"This video shows all aspects of the sacred ceremony of Umu- ti (Tahitian firewalking ceremony), including preparation of the site, sacred chants and rites, dancing, firewalking, public participation and the closing of the ceremony, with music recorded live by cultural music specialists David and Jan Fanshawe."

Link to Video (46 minutes)
"The story of tapa - from the time the first mulberry seedlings were bought to the Pacific by Indonesian travelers to the present: its manufacture and decoration, its religious, cultural, artistic and economic significance. Tapa is made in Tonga, Samoa and in parts of New Zealand. The video follows the manufacture and decoration of the tapa, mainly in Tonga and Samoa, and brings out the symbolism and history of the patterns in each culture."

Link to Video (48 minutes)
"Discusses the integral role played by sharks in Polynesian belief systems which treat sharks as guardian angels or spirits."

Link to Video (15 minutes)
"Shows Western Samoa in the 1960s, and describes how modern technology and communication affected its traditional way of life. On May 1, 1961, Western Samoa voted for independence from New Zealand. Life in the new nation, however, continues to be based on its traditional foundation, the family. Shows the activities and routines of a Samoan medical family and the marriage ceremonies of the daughter. Includes coverage of the social and economic conditions in Western Samoa"

Link to Video (53 minutes. English and Maori with English subtitles.)
"Overview of the nature and extent of Maori customary fishing rights from pre-colonial to contemporary times. Examines how these rights were upheld in the past and the methods by which they are exercised today. Customary harvesters talk about their rights and obligations in relation to managing their fisheries and habits."