What is a Samoan tuiga?

What is a Samoan tuiga?

Overview. A tuiga is a ceremonail headdress from Samoa. Wearing the tuiga is a privilege only extended to members of certain families with rank and status – the wearer or their family must carry the title with which the tuiga is associated. In the past when a tribe went to war the tuiga was worn by chiefs.

What is the traditional Samoan dance?

Siva Samoa is the Samoan term for a Samoan dance. A version of Siva Samoa, called Mak Sa’moa, is a popular traditional dance style in Western Samoa. Other forms of traditional Samoan dancing include the taualuga, siva afi, and sasa.

What is the tuiga made of?

This change has allowed for greater artistic licence in the making of contemporary tuiga, which use a range of modern materials including plastic beads, shaped mirrors, multi-coloured feathers, synthetic hair, and in some cases, plaited coconut fibre.

What does the Taupou wear?

The crowning attire of the taupou or manaia was the traditional headdress known as the “tuiga.” Coconut midribs (“tuaniu”) wrapped with strips of tapa cloth were secured to a faceplate (“lave”) made of turtle shell in such a way that the midribs stood upright when the faceplate was tied to the hair above the forehead; …

Where did the tatau originate from?

The origin of the Samoan tatau is believed to have been introduced to the Samoa islands by two Fiji women, who came ashore with the tools and knowledge of tattooing.

What does a Taupou wear?

What is the Samoan slap dance?

The Fa’ataupati is a dance indigenous to the Samoans. In English it is simply the “Samoan Slap Dance”. It was developed in Samoa in the 19th century and is only performed by males.

Are tattoos just a fun part of Samoan culture?

The tattoo and designs of the Samoa islands represents community, power, status, respect, honor, and is a mark of pride that are only to be worn by Samoans. For those who have no cultural influence or heritage background it is an act of disrespect to display their symbols and designs.

What is the meaning of the Samoan term taupou?

Definition of taupou : a ceremonial hostess selected by a high chief of a Samoan village from the young girls of his household, elevated to a high rank, and charged with the formal reception and entertainment of visitors

What does a taupou wear as a headpiece?

The tuiga is the headpiece that is worn by a Taupou/Augafa’apae (female) or Manaia (male), to show their status as the daughter or son of the highest chief in the village, or sometimes the whole district, when they perform the Samoan dance for dignitaries in prominent events, international/national/district/village gatherings, etc

Why is the Ailao performed before the taualuga?

The “ailao” is performed before the actual taualuga as an exhibition of the dancer’s skill, dexterity, grace, and coordination. It is symbolic of the former significance that the taupou had in her role as the leader of ceremonial processions, dances, rituals, and war parties.

What does taualuga stand for in Samoan language?

The renowned Tongan version is called the tau’olunga . The word Taualuga in Samoan refers to the last stage of traditional house building in which the topmost rafter was secured to the building ( fale ), signifying the completion of construction.