Tuvalu

Tuvalu, a chain of low atolls, sustains Polynesian traditions of communal dance, fine weaving and reef fishing.

Music & dance Building & habitat Textile & dress

Knowledge in this place

Fatele dance

Fatele dance

A communal song-dance that builds in tempo, performed seated and standing around a beaten wooden box.

Falekaupule meeting hall

Falekaupule meeting hall

Open community halls that host council meetings, ceremonies and the social life of each island.

Building & habitat

Pandanus mat weaving

Pandanus mat weaving

Weaving of fine mats, fans and garlands from dyed pandanus leaves for gifts and ceremony.

Textile & dress

Paopao outrigger canoe

Paopao outrigger canoe

Small single-outrigger canoes carved for fishing and travel within and between the atolls.

Building & habitat