09/08/2026
Traditional Fijian Dancing; the history, practice and culture.
In Fijian, there’s a word that encompasses song, music, poetry, movement and storytelling into one: meke.
I had the honour of witnessing this art during my time in Waikete Village.
Traditionally, a meke requires two groups: ‘Matana’- the dancers shown, and ‘Vakatara’- the ones creating the music you can hear.
The men channel a warrior-like energy with shouting, stomping, spear-like dance moves and fierce body adornment.
The women in this performance demonstrate more ‘flowy’ movements. The plant fibre skirts worn are called ‘liku’ and the flower garlands ‘salusalu’.
For generations, long before written records, Indigenous Fijians (known as iTaukei) used this art to pass on stories and important knowledge.
