ANZ presents
Countries and the Cultures, pt. 8
Kingdom
of Tonga (148
delegates, 2 VIPs)
 The
Tongan archipelago lies south of Fiji and about 1,000 miles northeast
of New Zealand. Consisting of 171 islands of various sizes, only
45 are inhabited. The major islands are Tongatapu and 'Eua, Ha'apai,
Vava'u, Niuatoputapu and Tafahi, and Niuafo'ou. The capital city
of Nuku'alofa is located on Tongatapu.
The group was
first visited by the Dutch in the early-17th century, and later
by the British seafarer Captain Cook, who dubbed the archipelago
the 'friendly islands' in 1773.
Archaeological
evidence shows that the first settlers in Tonga were part of
the Lapita migration which originated out of S.E. Asia some 6000
years ago. The Lapita people lived and sailed, traded, warred,
and intermarried in the islands now known as Tonga, Samoa, and
Fiji for 1000 years, before more explorers set off to the east
to discover the Marquesas, Tahiti, and eventually the rest of
the Pacific Ocean islands. For this reason, Tonga, Samoa, and
Fiji are described by anthropologists as the cradle of Polynesian
culture and civilization.
Centuries before
Westerners arrived, Tongans created large monumental stoneworks,
most notably, the Haamonga a Maui and the Langi (terraced tombs).
The Haamonga is over 16 feet high and made of three coral-lime
stones that weigh more than 40 tons each. The Langi are low,
very flat, two or three tier pyramids that mark the graves of
former kings.
By the 12th century,
Tongans and the Tongan paramount chief, the Tui Tonga, were known
across the Pacific from Samoa to Tikopia in the Solomon islands,
forming a network of interacting navigators, chiefs, and adventurers.
Distinctive pottery
and Tapa cloth designs also show that the Tongans traveled from
the far reaches of Micronesia, all the way to Fiji and even Hawaii.
The Tongans were known as the powerhouse of the Pacific, known
for their intimidating cow skin drums, and for their amazing
sailing ability, but most of all, the size of their people.
A wave of missionary
visits to Tonga began in the late 1700s culminating with the
Wesleyan Methodist Walter Lawry in 1822. Around that time most
Tongans converted en masse to the Wesleyan-Methodist and Catholic
faiths. Later other denominations followed like Pentecostal,
Mormons, Bahai and Seventh Day Adventists.
The ruling family
of Tonga, the last remaining Polynesian kingdom, can be traced
back more than 1000 years. The adoption of Christianity by the
ruling family and an overall policy of accommodation with the
British - then the principal imperial power in the area - meant
that the islands were not formally colonized.
Tonga's current
king, George Tupou V, traces his line directly back through five
generations of monarchs. The king, born in 1948, continues to
have ultimate control of the government, despite calls for democracy.
Agriculture is
the strongest part of Tonga's economy, producing coconuts, vanilla
and pumpkins as cash crops, and a variety of fruit, vegetables
and nuts for domestic consumption. The fishing industry is relatively
underdeveloped and has been a focus of government plans to expand
the economy.
Tonga like many
small island nations and territories (are own included) is looking
to expand tourism and unlike American Samoa, they have a 10-year
development program in place. Their industry is now bringing
about $10 million annually into the Tongan economy. Also like
us, their government is constantly looking for other projects
to diversify the island's economy.
A further vital
source of revenue is remittances from the many thousands of Tongans
working abroad, in New Zealand, Australia, Hawaii, California
and American Samoa.
American
Samoa (host
country)
 As 2008 dawned, American
Samoa began its public promotion of the 10th Festival of Pacific
Arts - providing information for visitors and participants on
a new website (www.pacartsas.com).
Gov. Togiola
sent out a message extending "our warmest American Samoa
greetings to the participants and guests from the Pacific and
beyond who will join us from July 20 August 2, 2008 to
celebrate the 10th Festival of Pacific Arts."
Since its inception
in 1972, the Festival of Pacific Arts has become recognized as
the premiere arts celebration in the region. Twenty-seven Pacific
Island countries and territories are invited to gather and promote
mutual appreciation of Pacific cultures, strengthen ties, and
develop a Pacific consciousness of maintaining our traditions
in a fast-paced global era. Twenty countries (including American
Samoa) have thus far signed up to participate.
The Festival
Committee and volunteers are busy preparing Festival venues and
coordinating exhibitions to showcase traditional architecture
and traditional art from around the Pacific region. Liaison officers
and interpreters are gearing up to meet and host their respective
Island groups. Forums and symposiums on Pacific film and tattoo,
as well as literary arts are being organized so that everyone
can experience the diversity of Pacific cultures and discuss
important issues that impact Pacific communities.
The 10th Festival
of Pacific Arts is open to the international public. However,
all non-delegates make their own travel, transport, accommodation,
and meal arrangements.
To get to American
Samoa, there are two direct weekly flights (Thursdays and Sundays)
from Honolulu, Hawaii. There are also flights to/from Apia (at
least 3 times a day) through small commuter planes.
Visas are not
required by most visitors for entry, however a permit, passport
and onward plane ticket are mandatory.
Of interest to
the international press, American Samoa is serviced by three
Internet Service Providers. Several hotels are equipped with
Internet access through Blue Sky Communications, ASTCA and Pacifica
IT.
The organizing
committee provides a weekly update on activities and programs
which is available in the Samoa News print edition on Fridays
and is posted daily on our website: www.samoanews.com.
Not since the
7th Festival of Pacific Arts was held in Apia, Samoa in 1996
has American Samoa had the opportunity to participate as fully
in this exciting event.
[Compiled from Wikipedia and the websites for the corresponding
countries.]
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