Celebrating tradition in Tahiti

FRENCH POLYNESIA | Friday, 21 November 2014 | Views [147] | View Smaller Image

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.

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.

< previous

3 of 5

Auntie is patiently showing a little one the art of costume making. According to the Tahitian tradition, you cannot be too young to start learning the ancient dances and costume making.

next >

Return to photo gallery >>

Celebrating tradition in Tahiti

Share