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,The: (I) Na Huatanga 'Eha	Jason Giusanga, Momoka and Tepuke with a group of 12 men	17:35
102	Suahongi,The: (II) Na Ngiba	Jason Giusanga, Momoka and Tepuke with a group of 12 men	06:50
103	Suahongi,The: (III) Te Hakatamatama	Jason Giusanga, Momoka and Tepuke with a group of 12 men	03:27
201	Mu'aabaka Pati: The Taki by Takiika	A group of men and women	02:42
202	Mu'aabaka Pati: The Introductory Pati by Sa'engeika	A group of men and women	01:28
203	Mu'aabaka Pati: The Introductory Pati by Tupuimatangi	A group of men and women	02:14
204	Mako Hakapaungo, A-D	Jason Giusanga a dn group	02:51
205	Papa of the Deities,The: The Ancient Introductory Song	Group led by Harry Mamata	03:28
206	The Papa of the Deities: Dance Songs, A-G	12 men led by Harry Mamata	04:38
207	Dance [of] Heaven, A-E	12 men with Momoka beating the sounding board	02:02
208	Hakatenge, A-D	12 men Jason Giusanga beats the sounding board	03:53