Streaming Pacific Videos: Art, Music & Dance

Link to Video (26 minutes)
"This video about siapo, commonly known as tapa or bark cloth, offers insights into its cultural significance and function, including detailed documentation of its manufacturing techniques and interviews with leading Samoan artists. Suggested level: intermediate, secondary."

Link to Video (10 minutes)
"Descriptions of Polynesian art pieces, including the different styles."

Link to Video (49 minutes)
"Noted kumu hula discuss the history and evolution of the hula from traditional times through over 200 years of western influence. The concerns of these kumu hula over the perpetuation of the sanctity of the hula traditions passed on to them by their ancestors and their attempts to pass these sacred traditions to their families are also discussed. Various traditional styles like the hula ʻālaʻapapa, hula pahu, and hula kuʻi are mentioned."

Link to Video (26 minutes)
"Features two Tongan punake (poets), Peni Tutuʻila Malupo and Malukava, as they prepare and present their lakalaka, an extended poem which incorporates song and dance to enhance the impact of the performance."

Link to Video (48 minutes)
"Follows three performing groups as they prepare for and compete in the 1996 Aotearoa Traditional Māori Performing Arts Festival in Rotorua, New Zealand. Includes haka and poi dances."

Link to Video (59 minutes)
"Native Maori Don Selwyn describes the 1000 year history of Maori arts, music and dance in New Zealand."

Link to Video (45 minutes)
"Examines the life and art of Charlie Gibbons, a Palauan artist. Includes interviews with Mr. Gibbons, his conversations with other Palauans, and shots of Palauan scenery and traditional craftspeople at work."

Link to Video (18 minutes)
"Documentary of funeral rites and ceremonies in New Ireland focusing on the curving of wooden pole figures and masks created by the Kaparau family."