Tahiti E! Ia Orana!

by | Dec 3, 2014 | Cultures of Polynesia

By Polynesian Cultural Blogger Bobby Akoi, Jr.  Have you ever been to a Polynesian show and watched as the female dancers moved their hips in circles at a crazy fast speed? Do you want to know how they do it?  It’s actually very simple, but it takes a lot of...
A Noble Heritage: Tonga

A Noble Heritage: Tonga

by | Nov 19, 2014 | Cultures of Polynesia, Tonga

Mālō e Lelei, the Tongans say in greeting, as we focus on their village and activities in our November 2014 e-newsletter. Tongan culture is still very much alive, not only here at the Polynesian Cultural Center, but back home in the South Pacific and among our people...

Ta Moko: Maori Tattooing

by | Aug 19, 2014 | Aotearoa, Cultures of Polynesia

Ever since I read Keri Hulme’s The Bone People, I have been fascinated with Maori symbols and tattoos, particularly the meanings and significance behind each line of the work. The facial tattoos kinda scared me, but the patterns were still captivating.   According to...