by wolfgangfoto
The history of Oceania encompasses the broader history of countries such as New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Australia, Fiji, and other Pacific island nations. Among the various cultures in Oceania, I am particularly interested in the Tongan culture. The Kingdom of Tonga is situated west of the International Date Line, in the eastern part of Fiji. One aspect that sets this culture apart is that it is the only Polynesian nation that was not colonized by Europeans. Additionally, it is the only monarchy in the Pacific Ocean.
Remarkably, the absence of colonization has not hindered the development of the Tongan culture but rather has helped preserve its traditional and historical aspects. Notably, the kinship structure of Tongan society places women in a more privileged position than men, meaning that a man is outranked by his sister, regardless of their respective ages. Consequently, it is considered taboo for a brother and sister to be alone in the same room.
The cultural development of the Tongan community has piqued the interest of many researchers. Developments in the performing arts, particularly in poetry, music, and dance, have reached significant levels. The art of crafting and weapon-making is also unique among the Tongan people. Furthermore, architecture, agriculture, and herbal medicine form the core of Tongan ethnoscience traditions. The Tongan culture has also evolved in terms of physical competitive sports, such as wrestling, diving, running, and javelin throwing. Another reason I admire this culture is that the Tongan people are skilled seafarers and navigators. It is worth noting that concepts of racism and discrimination are relatively new to the Tongans, often introduced by those who leave the culture and travel to multicultural countries like Australia.
Numerous visual arts are unique to the various cultures of Oceania, with diverse histories among the different groups. One of the most notable visual arts is the canoe. As previously mentioned, many Oceania peoples are renowned as seafarers and navigators, which led to their expertise in canoe-building. In many cultures, such as Tonga, canoe-building was a task reserved for men. The art of canoe-making captures the essence of Oceania, as the builders were highly skilled. The Fijian culture, for example, was known for constructing large canoes from logs. Canoes came in various designs, depending on their intended use. The Tongan popao, for instance, was a simple dugout canoe used for everyday purposes, while the elaborate and beautiful drua was initially a product of human sacrifice and inspired fear and awe. Sea battles were common in Oceania, and different canoes were used for various purposes, attracting considerable interest in the visual arts of the region.
The philosophies and religions of the Oceania peoples also varied, encompassing Melanesian, Micronesian, Polynesian, and Aboriginal belief systems. I am intrigued by the Polynesian religions, as they are rooted in experience rather than belief. The Tongan and Fijian cultures practice these religions. An interesting aspect of this faith is the gods and spirits involved, which are believed to be deceased humans who have assumed one or more forms. The belief in life after death is prominent in this religion, with individuals nearing the end of their lives often reporting visions of their relatives praying for their souls to have a safe journey to the afterlife.
Manuel Marino is a seasoned Senior Producer, Music Composer, and Artist with over a decade of experience. He specializes in branded entertainment across various mediums, including video games, films, and advertising campaigns. With 20+ years as a game music composer, Manuel has worked on numerous platforms, creating diverse orchestral soundtracks. HIRE ME