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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along with the world, turning to new cultural practices and losing interest in the traditions perceived as old and outdated once Western ideas and technologies reached the islands’ shores.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
Bana Kris
02:03
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102
Madu Paul
01:28
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103
Kame Paipai, Jimmie Luffman, and Manesse Bani
01:01
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104
Missi McFarlane Mam
00:36
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105
Madu Paul
01:35
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106
Madu Paul
00:50
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107
Madu Paul
00:46
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108
Jimmie Luffman and Manesse Bani
00:45
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109
Madu Paul
01:08
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110
Madu Paul
01:03
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111
Wiz Nawia
01:04
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112
Sailor Miskin
01:05
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113
Jimmie Luffman and Manesse Bani
00:37
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114
Jimmie Luffman
00:56
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115
Bob Lee
00:27
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116
Jimmie Luffman
00:24
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117
Bob Lee, Kame Paipai, and Refu Dugui
00:43
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118
Madu Paul
01:45
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119
Missi McFarlane Mam
00:23
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120
Anu Ara and female singers
00:59
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121
Mixed chorus with drums, Mer Island, Queensland
02:03
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122
Kame Paipai and Jimmie Luffman
01:00
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123
Madu Paul
01:45
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124
Mose Dau
00:51
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125
Jessie Pearson
01:22
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126
Kelam Wop, Jimmie Luffman, and Manesse Bani
00:55
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127
Kelam Wop, Jimmie Luffman, and Manesse Bani
01:13