Collection consists of video and motion picture film shot by Summer Banner in the 1970s and 1980s in the South Pacific and of the Festival of Pacific Arts.
Please note that the contents of the collection and the language and terminology used reflect the context and culture of the time of its creation. As an historical document, its contents may be at odds with contemporary views and terminology and considered offensive today. The information within this collection does not reflect the views of the Smithsonian Institution or Anthropology Archives, but is available in its original form to facilitate research.
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The collection is open for research. Please contact the archives for information on availability of access copies of audiovisual recordings. Original audiovisual material in the Human Studies Film Archives may not be played.
Received from Summer Banner in 1998.
Summer Banner films of the South Pacific, Human Studies Film Archives, Smithsonian Institution
Film presents Hawai'i's acceptance into the Festival of Pacific Arts signifying their heritage as Polynesian peoples. The 1985 4th Festival, held in Tahiti, opens with a parade of participants representing Polynesia, Melanesia and Micronesia. Shown are numerous singing and dance performances from Tuvalu, Tonga (male paddle dance), Samoa, French Polynesia, Marquesas Islands (wedding ceremony), Tahiti (wedding ceremony), Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, New Caledonia, Wallace and Fortuna, Micronesia (Naru Island) and Hawai'i. Also filmed is Hawaiian dance and drumming rehearsals, Hawaiian crafts and traditions (quilting, lei making) and interviews with Hawaiian performers. In addition to performances are games including stone lifting, javelin throwing, coconut harvesting and palm weaving. Micronesian boys are shown in a wrestling match. Percussive instruments played include drums, gourds, sticks, hands, knee boards, logs, and biscuit tin. Other instruments include guitar and pan pipes (Papua New Guinea). Participants display ceremonial and other dress, head gear and body adornment (paint and tattoos).
HSFA 1998.16.1
Edited film appears to be an overview of Samoa in honor of Samoan Independence Day created by Summer Banner. Film shows dance with percussion rhythmic sounds created by hands, voice, bundled sticks/reeds, boxes and legs/feet; song; traditonal water crafts; fishing; food and drink preparation; and old photographs showing village daily life. Narration (in Samoan?) presents Samoan history. Film ends with parade and floats.
HSFA 1998.16.2