Polynesian Songs and Games from Bellona (Mungiki), Solomon Islands

Recorded in 1976, Polynesian Songs and Games features songs from Bellona, a small island south of the Solomon Island chain. The music of Bellona favors vocal arrangements accompanied by the sparse percussive rhythms of sounding boardings and clapping. According to field recordist Jane Mink Rossen, “Although the musical materials are limited, they are used to great effect through constant variation within a song, implemented by individual improvisation.” Liner notes include an overview of the music of Bellona, track notes, translated lyrics, and photographs.

Track Listing

101	Te tukubaka tuai (The Ancient Seafaring Canoe) / Te ngangibaka (The Heavenly Canoe)	Jason Giusanga, Momoka and Tepuke with a group of 12 men	02:15
102	Mako hakasaunoni	Paul Sa'engeika with 12 men in Bellona	02:08
103	Kubikubi ngoo'ata (Ant Pinching) / Tuki (Pounding) / Kini ou ta'e (Tap Your Face)	Eight men and two children of Bellona	02:50
104	Te tingo mate (The Resurrection)	Hama Songo'ungi	02:15
105	Tau'asonga o na haahine (Women's Dance)	10 men led by Momoka in Honiara	03:54
106	Te 'ungu (The Introductory Song)	Taupongi	01:00
107	Te 'ungu hakatu'utu'u (The Introductory Song Hakatu'utu'u)	Taupongi	01:37
108	Te saka (Tattooing Song)	Joshua Kaipua	05:11
201	Te maghiiti (1)	Four men led by Ma'itaki	01:51
202	Te maghiiti (2)	11 men led by Tupe'uhi	04:27
203	Na hua a na sa'a (Song of the Clans)	10 men led by Joshua Kaipua	08:35
204	Hua tanga'eha	Chorus	02:12
205	Mako ngenge	Group of men led by Haman Songo'ungi	02:31