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Dancing is one of the
most important aspects of Banaban Culture. Banaban history has
been passed down over the generations in an oral form by Banaban
Elders. The other form of recording major events in Banaban
history is through Dance. The Cultural dances are clever snippets
of these events displayed in a combination of singing, dancing and
mime and are constantly updated to include more contemporary
issues which effect the community today.
The tradition of the dance is
strictly enforced, with costumes similar to those used over 100
years ago. A good example of this aspect of such detail is a dance
called the - 'te Karanga' Stick Dance. Not only are the costumes
kept similar, but the dance steps together with the old
traditional Banaban language used in the dance are still used.
Even though the meaning of the words are now lost the preservation
of the dance in its original form is very exciting.
Traditional -
te Karanga costumes taken on Banaba in 1930's.
The Banabans have long been
considered one of the best dancing groups in the Pacific.
Unfortunately in recent years due to the lack of finances they
have been unable to compete or perform at other Pacific Dance
competitions and events. The quality of these wonderful performers
was not lost on the Australian Government when they were invited
to perform at the opening ceremony of the Sydney Opera House in
the 1970's.
In 1975, 25 dances accompanied
the group on the 'HOMECOMING TRIP and performed throughout Tarawa.
At the same time another 10 dances went on a Dance tour of Japan.
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Here we see a photograph of the
Banaban dances in action on Banaba in the late 1920's.
Photo courtesy Harry Maude 1934
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 Here
we see a photograph from the recent 50th Celebrations on Rabi
Island on the 15. December, 1995. You can see the women wearing
the traditional Banaban headpieces that are adorned with Frigate
bird feathers. Sadly frigate bird feathers are not available on
Rabi island, so the Banabans travel by boat to other islands off
the north coast off Fiji to gather these prized feathers so the
tradition of the birds is not lost.
More on Banaban
Culture
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