Polynesian Dances of Bellona (Mungiki), Solomon Islands

Recorded in 1974 in Honiara, the capital of the Solomon Islands, Polynesian Dances of Bellona (Mungiki) chronicles a renaissance of ceremonial songs and dances that were banned by Christian missionaries in the 1940s. Included are historic dances such as the suahongi, which is performed after a ritual distribution ceremony (manga’e) in which men share the surplus harvest from fishing and gardening with the rest of the village. Songs are carefully structured and often feature call and response, speech–song, and complex vocal rhythms. Liner notes include a brief history of the island of Bellona and its music as well as track notes.

Track Listing

101	Suahongi: Na huatanga 'eha Jason Giusanga, Momoka, Tepuke and male singers from Mungiki	17:35
102	Suahongi: Na ngiba Jason Giusanga, Momoka, Tepuke and male singers from Mungiki	06:50
103	Suahongi: Te hakatamatama Jason Giusanga, Momoka, Tepuke and male singers from Mungiki	03:27
201	Mu'aabaka pati: Taki Sikohuti, Noapu'a, Momoka, Wesley Toopue and singers from Mungiki	02:42
202	Mu'aabaka pati: Te 'ungu pati (1) Sikohuti, Noapu'a, Momoka, Wesley Toopue and singers from Mungiki	01:28
203	Mu'aabaka pati: Te 'ungu pati (2) Sikohuti, Noapu'a, Momoka, Wesley Toopue and singers from Mungiki	02:14
204	Mako hakapaungo (Dance in the Style of Paungo) Jason Giusanga and male singers from Mungiki	02:51
205	Te papa hai'atua: Te 'ungu tuai (The Ancient Introductory Song) Harry Mamata and male singers from Mungiki	03:28
206	Te papa hai'atua: Huaa mako (Dance Songs) Harry Mamata and male singers from Mungiki	04:38
207	Mako ngangi (Dance of Heaven) Momoka and male singers from Mungiki	02:02
208	Hakatenge (To Make a Line) Jason Giusanga and male singers from Mungiki	03:53