Understanding Pacific Island Well-Being Perspectives Through Samoan and Tongan Material Cultural Adaptations and Spatial Behaviour in Auckland and Brisbane
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.11157/sites-id423Keywords:
diaspora, material culture, Pacific Island, Samoan, TonganAbstract
The aim of this paper is to discuss the tangible links that exist between Pacific Island well-being perspectives and their material culture. We can gain a better understanding of Pacific Island well-being perspectives through the analysis of Samoan and Tongan material cultural adaptations and how people interact with these via spatial behaviour, as observed in Auckland and Brisbane. This paper analyses a collection of images that capture evidence of six different types of material cultural adaptations that infer on, and reference spatial behaviours. Preliminary findings have been drawn from a wider-scale research project conducted during 2015–2018, that has explored Pacific Island TransTasman migrants’ perspectives of well-being. This inquiry process has revealed significant links between Pacific Island traditions and adaptations in Pacific diaspora contexts.Downloads
Additional Files
- Figure 1: Photo of traditional materials used in a baby dedication ceremony in Auckland
- Figure 2: Photo of traditional materials used in Tongan dance costumes in Auckland.
- Figure 3: Photo of traditional materials used in a multicultural Pacific Island church in Brisbane.
- Figure 4: Photo of traditional materials used in a Samoan dance performance in Brisbane.
- Figure 5: Photo of traditional materials used in an academic ceremony in Auckland.
- Figure 6: Photo of traditional materials used in university graduation in Auckland.
- Figure 7: Photo of traditional materials used in a Tongan performance on council grounds in Brisbane.
- Figure 8: Photo of traditional materials used in a Brisbane church using a classroom space.
- Figure 10: Photo of traditional materials used by Tongan village representatives in Auckland.
- Figure 11: Photo of the use of ‘ie toga in entrance foyer of local library in Brisbane.
- Figure 14: Photo of the use of adapted materials in Tongan dance costumes used in a commercialised cultural event in Auckland.
- Figure 15: Photo of the use of adapted materials in preparing taro leaves dish in Brisbane.
- Figure 16: Photo of the use of adapted materials in Tongan dance costumes used in a school cultural event in Brisbane.
- Figure 17: Photo showing transfer of New Zealand-sourced food gifts to Australian diaspora.
- Figure 18: Photo showing the use of florist flowers and plastic lei in Auckland graduation ceremony.
- Figure 19: Photo showing the use of tatau design on a community poster promoting a Pacific Island rugby league event in Brisbane.
- Figure 20: Photo shows the transfer of Australian-bought goods as gifts for New Zealand-based diaspora.
- Figure 21: Photo shows the conversion of a garage into a family meeting space and shared living area in Auckland.
- Figure 22: The conversion of a council sports field into an events space for Samoan cultural celebrations at Auckland's Pasifika event, 2016.
- Figure 24: Photo shows the conversion of a foyer area outside a church building used for a Samoan cultural performance in Brisbane.
- Figure 9: Photo of traditional materials used in artwork sold at an Auckland pop-up stall.
- Figure 12: Photo of the use of ngatu and kie tonga at a Brisbane baby shower.
- Figure 13: Photo of the use of adapted materials in preparation of Tongan foods consumed in Auckland.
- Figure 23: Photo shows the conversion of a garage space into a shared living area in Brisbane.
- Figure 17. Photo of Year 12 graduates from a Brisbane high school at the end of 2018
Published
02-09-2019
How to Cite
Faleolo, R. (2019). Understanding Pacific Island Well-Being Perspectives Through Samoan and Tongan Material Cultural Adaptations and Spatial Behaviour in Auckland and Brisbane. Sites: A Journal of Social Anthropology and Cultural Studies, 16(2). https://doi.org/10.11157/sites-id423
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