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Watch: Pacific Curators talk about Tongan koloa

As part of Tongan Language Week 2024, Dr. Dianne Sika-Paotonu (Otago University), Curator Pacific Cultures Emelihter Kihleng, Kaitiaki Taonga Mama Grace, and Melanie Ioane-Warren talked to some Tongan koloa from Te Papa’s collection. 

View some of the objects mentioned in the video

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Tonga

Tonga, officially known as the Kingdom of Tonga, and also known as ‘The Friendly Islands’, is a group of islands in the South Pacific. It is currently the only Pacific country with a constitutional monarchy. Read stories and view our collections in connection to Tonga and the people of Tonga.

Kava drinking and Tongan culture

The most important use of kava is in meetings and ceremonies. Kava is also consumed informally, sometimes in kava clubs, which are also important venues for the preservation of the Tongan language and culture.

Browse the collections from Tonga

View elements of Tongan life from kato alu (ceremonial baskets), woodcarving, figurative sculptures, and ngatu (bark cloth), to Kava Clubs and Black Fowls.