Polynesian Studies Commons^™

01 Traditional Songs Introduction, William Donner

Sikaiana Traditional Songs

This is an introduction to Sikaiana songs. It includes a discussion of the social cultural context of song composition and singing. There is a discussion of the different features of song production and a list of different song genres. Most of the discussion is concerned with traditional song expression that are part of derived form changes associated with colonialism and modernization.

Chapter 11, Songs In Intimacy And Community In A Changing World: Sikaiana Life 1980-1993, William Donner

Sikaiana Ethnography

A chapter on song composition and performance in the Sikaiana ethnography. Songs were an important part of Sikaiana life in 1980-1993. There were two major song types: songs composed in a traditional Polynesian style, and songs composed for the more recently introduced guitar.

A related website is www.sikaianaarchives.com

Saka, Fane Telena, Unknown Sikaiana

Sikaiana Traditional Songs

These are two saka, songs composed for a secret lover (hina) in traditional Sikaiana society. I know that one was collected from Fane Telena, the other I found in my notes.

Tani Various, Sikaiana People

Sikaiana Traditional Songs

These are transcriptions of several tani or funeral dirges. Tani are composed after a person dies. I do not have a record of who gave me the transcriptions, most likely John Kilatu and/or Reuben Tenai. I do not have recordings for these songs.

Mako Hatu Composed Songs, Reuben Tenai, John Kilatu Dr

Sikaiana Traditional Songs

Two traditional composed songs (mako hatu) that I found in my notes, most likely from John Kilatu and/or Reuben Tenai.