Round the Island Marquesian Style

This was one of the welcome dancers. I thought he was the best.

One day on Hiva Oa we went to watch the islanders finish the outrigger canoe race. It was a race round the island, and it took them about 2 days to complete it. It was really cool. The festivities began when the first canoe with six big muscular guys came ashore. Some women and several younger men started the chant (in Marquesian) about rowing round the island. Together with the dance it was very imposing. I can't remember exactly how it went, but I know that the women would sing a while and that then the men would slap their chests and sing in bass voices "hey mata fukoo, chest slap, hey mata fukoo, chest slap" then the women would continue the chant. This was repeated every time a new canoe came ashore. Once all the canoes were on land garlands of flowers were put around the participants' necks. Then all competitors ate while watching a victory dance. We went home feeling that the Marquesians definitely had alot in common with the Maoris, as depicted in the movie Whale Rider.
By Jet