What is a Samoan knife called?
Siva afi, or fire knife dancing is a tradition rooted in Samoan culture that incorporates the Samoan weapon nifo oti, or war knife. Our tribal performers twirl the weapon and showcase other acrobatic tricks that will have you on the edge of your seat as they literally set the stage on fire!
How long is a Samoan fire knife?
14-inch
Resembling a baton, the fireknife itself, called “nifo oti,” replicates an ancient Samoan weapon that features a 14-inch blade with a hook on the end. To add fire, both ends are wrapped with Kevlar or a cotton towel tied with wire, then soaked in camp kerosene (white gas), which burns cleanly and vaporizes quickly.
Why is the Siva Afi important?
This is important today because while the art of Ailao and Siva Afi is a Samoan cultural tradition, it doesn’t mean that only Samoans can participate. Siva Afi can be performed by men, women and children of any ethnicity as long as they are taught the correct principles and respect the art as a Samoan tradition.
What is a Samoan Taualuga?
The word Taualuga in Samoan refers to the last stage of traditional house building in which the topmost rafter was secured to the building (fale), signifying the completion of construction. Traditionally, the Taualuga is performed by the son or daughter of a chief.
What is fire dancing called?
Fire dancing is known by some names such as”fire spinning”,”fire performance”, “fire twirling,” “, or “fire manipulation”. All forms involve manipulating objects which are on fire. Some forms of the art have similarities to juggling or baton twirling. Fire dancing and rhythmic gymnastics have links.
What do fire performers use?
Some American fire performers use white gas although most use other fuels due to its low flash point, while British fire performers use paraffin (called kerosene in the US) or the white gas substitute petroleum naphtha.
What is the traditional Samoan dance called?
A version of Siva Samoa, called Mak Sa’moa, is a popular traditional dance style in Western Samoa. Other forms of traditional Samoan dancing include the taualuga, siva afi, and sasa. There is also the māuluulu, Laumei, and Tautasi.
What is a tuiga?
A tuiga is a ceremonail headdress from Samoa. Wearing the tuiga is a privilege only extended to members of certain families with rank and status – the wearer or their family must carry the title with which the tuiga is associated. It was made by Matalena Mauga Sefo of Lotofaga village in Samoa.
What is a Taupou mean?
Definition of taupou : a ceremonial hostess selected by a high chief of a Samoan village from the young girls of his household, elevated to a high rank, and charged with the formal reception and entertainment of visitors.
What is a poi fire?
As a skill toy poi is an object or theatrical prop used for dexterity play or an object manipulation. As a performance art, poi involves swinging tethered weights through a variety of rhythmical and geometric patterns. Poi can be made from various materials with different handles, weights, and effects (such as fire).
What kind of knives are used in Samoa?
When European and American whalers and traders began commercial ventures in Samoa, they introduced the natives to the long-handled blubber knife and the hooked cane knife.
What is the Samoan fire dance?
Samoan Fire Dance: The Samoan fire knife dance is more than a popular spectacle that adds sizzle to a Hawaiian luau. It’s a tradition that has been passed from generation to generation, with each adding a new layer of style, boldness, and skill.
What is the name of the Samoan weapon?
These anava were frequently carved with serrated edges and jagged “teeth” which characterized the unique Samoan weapon called the “nifo’oti”. The Expulsion of The Tu’i Tonga Talakaifaiki (King of Tonga) & The Birth of Malietoa (King of Samoa), The Birth of Siva Afi.
What is a Hawaiian fire knife dancer?
A Hawaiian fire knife dancer. The fire knife is a traditional Samoan cultural implement that is used in ceremonial dances. It was originally composed of a machete wrapped in towels on both ends with a portion of the blade exposed in the middle.