From the author Molia Alama-Tulafono:

"Kupu O Fatele is a collection of Tuvaluan songs, chants and proverbs that have guided and inspired me throughout my life. Each and every one has provided me with meaningful life lessons, by reminding me of the stories of my home and people.

Fatele is the traditional dance and cultural artform of Tuvalu. It brings the community together to perform dance movements, drummed beats, and, most importantly for me kupu - songs, chants and proverbs.

I think of it as the beating heart of my people: a way that our ancestors continue to live and breathe through us. It is a way their wisdom is passed on and continued; whether we are near or far from our island home of Tuvalu.

I'm hopeful this book will encourage the next generation of Tuvaluans to be inspired and find strength in the beauty of our culture and language.

Taku Fatele - Tau Fatele!"

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Molia Alama-Tulafono was introduced to fatele dancing at a young age ans has been involved with the dance form for 25 years. Dancing began in her Fale ote Kaiga (in the family home), she observed and learnt the basic dance forms in the fale through her aunts. Molia also learnt at the faleumu (working/cooking hut) the practicalities of the dance artforms, including lakei (costuming), kupu o fatele (fatele lyrics) choreography and movement and performed in the falekaupule (island meeting house). In Aotearoa through the ‘Nukulaelae Fenua’ (Island Community) Molia acquired advanced training and cultural understanding through dance from traditional knowledge holders.

Softcover, 54 pages

ISBN: 978-0-473-69350

Published by Moanaroa Publishing - Pacifica Arts Centre

This publication was made possible with support from the Creative New Zealand and New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade Digital Moana Nui a Kiva initiative to celebrate and chare the cultural stories of the Pacific peoples of Oceania.