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Traditional Songs of the Western Torres Straits, South Pacific

Various Artists
Traditional Songs of the Western Torres Straits, South Pacific

One might plausibly assert that the Melanesians of the western Torres Strait have moved along with the world, turning to new cultural practices and losing interest in the traditions perceived as old and outdated once Western ideas and technologies reached the islands’ shores. The liner notes explain that most of the songs and dances on this recording are documentations of a now extinct tradition that largely disappeared around the turn of the twentieth century, in fact asserting that this recording may have been the last time many of the songs were ever performed. This aside, the legends and folk tales woven into chants and drumming provide a compelling look into the past.

Track Listing

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101
War Song from the Legend of Kuiam Bana Kris 02:03
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102
Pipi or War Dance Song Madu Paul 01:28
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103
Kawaladi - Kuiam's War Dance Song Kame Paipai, Jimmie Luffman, and Manesse Bani 01:01
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104
Kawaladi - War Dance Song Missi McFarlane Mam 00:36
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105
Death Dance after a Fight Madu Paul 01:35
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106
Song from a Folk Tale Madu Paul 00:50
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107
Song from the Folk Tale of Waubin Madu Paul 00:46
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108
Song from the Folk Tale of Dogai Saurkeke Jimmie Luffman and Manesse Bani 00:45
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109
Song in Praise of the Mythical Hero Tagai Madu Paul 01:08
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110
Magic Turtle Hunting Song Madu Paul 01:03
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111
Krarau Sagul - Mask Dance Song Wiz Nawia 01:04
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112
Krarau Sagul Song - Mask Dance Song Sailor Miskin 01:05
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113
Krarau Sagul Song for Baiag Tim - Mask Dance Song for Baiag Tim, a Fish Mask Jimmie Luffman and Manesse Bani 00:37
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114
Kulai Kuiku Kab - Crocodile Dance Jimmie Luffman 00:56
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115
Kulai Kuiku Kab - Second Dance Song Bob Lee 00:27
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116
Kulai Kuiku Kab - Third Dance Song Jimmie Luffman 00:24
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117
Kulai Kuiku Kab - Fourth (Final) Dance Song Bob Lee, Kame Paipai, and Refu Dugui 00:43
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118
Umana - Prelude to a Dance Madu Paul 01:45
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119
Kab Chant Missi McFarlane Mam 00:23
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120
Kab Chant for the Entry of the Dancers Anu ¯Ar¯a and female singers 00:59
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121
Kab Chant for the Entry of the Dancers Female and male singers 02:03
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122
Kab Song Kame Paipai and Jimmie Luffman 01:00
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123
Kab Song Madu Paul 01:45
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124
Kab Song Mose Dau 00:51
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125
Kab Song Jessie Pearson 01:22
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126
Dance Song from the South Pacific - Dance Song from Rotuma Kelam Wop, Jimmie Luffman, and Manesse Bani 00:55
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127
Dance Song from the South Pacific - Dance Song from Rotuma Kelam Wop, Jimmie Luffman, and Manesse Bani 01:13