Matagi Tokelau: History and Traditions of Tokelau - Softcover

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9789820200586: Matagi Tokelau: History and Traditions of Tokelau

Softcover

ISBN 10: 982020058X ISBN 13: 9789820200586

Matagi Tokelau was originally written in Tokelauan by a diverse group of Tokelau authors who were concerned to record the history and traditions of their islands. The literal meaning of matagi is 'wind', but the word has other connotations: 'news, memories, vigour, life' -- all of which evoke something of the writer's purposes. This book is a translation of the original Tokelau edition. It contains authoritative accounts of many aspects of the distinctive, though rapidly changing way of life in the three small mid-Pacific atolls which together make up Tokelau. The accounts of Tokelau's history begin with origin traditions, move through tales of voyages, warriors and the conflicts of long ago to early European contacts, the arrival of Christianity and the tragic slave raids of 1863. The accounts continue into the 20th century ending with events as recent as 1987. There are also descriptions of the contemporary scene -- of the churches, schools, medical services and institutions of government which are now closely integrated with older, more local ways, into the fabric of daily life. The rich and distinctive knowledge of Tokelau is represented by detailed accounts of fishing practices and well-known folktales. Tokelauans are citizens of New Zealand, and over the past generation or so many have made lives for themselves in New Zealand. This book is especially for them, and for the generations of their children.

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