Celebrating tradition in Tahiti

FRENCH POLYNESIA | Friday, 21 November 2014 | Views [477] | View Smaller Image

The more is in the making. The more is a traditional skirt made from the bark of the burau tree after it has been properly prepared. The whole family is involved with the meticulous work of costume making. Participation in the Heiva festival is important not only for the dancers themselves, but also for the parents and grandparents who are proud to see the youngsters committed to ancient arts and traditions.

French Polynesia, Tahiti. The most important national event of the year is the Heiva festival that revives cultural traditions. The dancers start preparing their costumes months before the big event. One of the most important materials is the bark of the burau tree. It is torn in long strips from freshly cut branches and it has to undergo a time consuming treatment before it can be worked with.

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Young Tahitian dancer is working on an accessory for his costume. The Heiva festival is not just dancing, but it is also storytelling. The costumes of the dancers have to be aligned with the story of the performance. The possibilities for costume materials are only restricted by the boundaries of creativity and imagination.

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Celebrating tradition in Tahiti

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