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Polynesian Dances of Bellona (Mungiki), Solomon Islands

Various Artists
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

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101
Suahongi: Na huatanga 'eha Jason Giusanga, Momoka and Tepuke with a group of 12 men 17:35
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102
Suahongi: Na ngiba Jason Giusanga, Momoka and Tepuke with a group of 12 men 06:50
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103
Suahongi: Te hakatamatama Jason Giusanga, Momoka and Tepuke with a group of 12 men 03:27
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201
Mu'aabaka pati: Taki A group of men and women 02:42
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202
Mu'aabaka pati: Te 'ungu pati (1) A group of men and women 01:28
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203
Mu'aabaka pati: Te 'ungu pati (2) A group of men and women 02:14
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204
Mako hakapaungo (Dance in the Style of Paungo) Jason Giusanga a dn group 02:51
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205
Te papa hai'atua: Te 'ungu tuai (The Ancient Introductory Song) Group led by Harry Mamata 03:28
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206
Te papa hai'atua: Huaa mako (Dance Songs) 12 men led by Harry Mamata 04:38
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207
Mako ngangi (Dance of Heaven) 12 men with Momoka beating the sounding board 02:02
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208
Hakatenge (To Make a Line) 12 men Jason Giusanga beats the sounding board 03:53