In this episode of ‘Instruments of the Moana’ we travel across the vast Moana — from the serene shores of Rarotonga to the vibrant islands of Vanuatu — in exploration of the conch. Known throughout the Pacific by various names including ‘pū’, ‘foafoa’, ‘kele’a’, ‘davui’, ‘bumbu shell’ and ‘taifa’, the conch is an ancient instrument that has long been a crucial tool for communication and ceremony across the Moana.
In the Cook Islands, Ma’ara Maeva recites the genealogy of the gods, right down to the birth of the conch. He speaks of the conch’s important role in clearing spaces of negative energy — a concept shared across the islands of the Moana: “They have many, many uses. The main one that we know of today is in dance, welcomes, calls, and welcoming of dignitaries to call for them to come. But most importantly, the purpose that I really want to remind everyone is that the pū is really there to clear the space.”
In Tonga, master craftsman Tu’ifonualava Kaivelata shares the process of shaping the conch, or ‘kele’a’, to produce a sound that can be heard across great distances. Traditionally, the conch is used by fishermen to signal a successful fishing trip, calling the community together to help unload the bountiful catch.
Loli Tuisavalalo reflects on the conch’s role in Samoan culture, describing the way in which rhythms played by each family’s foafoa allow those on shore to recognise their own canoe, signalling safety and success. “When the collective sounds of the foafoa are heard coming from the fishing expedition, families are able to distinguish the sounds belonging to their own canoe amongst the rest of the sounds — just from the rhythms they’re receiving on land,” Loli explains.
In Vanuatu, Edgar Hinge introduces us to the ‘bumbu shell’, known as ‘taifa’ in the northern Pentecost region. Edgar explains how its call marks the beginning of important gatherings, speaking for the people and honouring the chiefs with a sound that carries respect and tradition: “A conch shell talks on our behalf.”
Throughout the episode Tau’ili’ili invites us to not only listen, but to truly feel the resonance of the conch and understand its place in the tapestry of Pacific life. As the episode concludes, Tau’ili’ili leaves us with a profound appreciation for this ancient instrument whose call has guided, protected and unified the peoples of the Moana for centuries.
Host: Tau’ili’ili Alpha Maiava
Knowledge holders: Ma’ara Maeva, Tu’ifonualava Kaivelata, Loli Tuisavalalo, Edgar Hinge, Simione Sevudredre
Written by: Tau’ili’ili Alpha Maiava
Directed by: Tau’ili’ili Alpha Maiava & Guy Pigden
Filmed & Edited by: Campfire Studios NZ
Director of Photography: Isaac Newcombe
Production Lead: Will Flemming
Editor: Sam Wheeler
Graphics: Ben Ashby
Soundscape: Tomas Iglesias
Sound design & mix: Envy Studios
Colourist: Dave Mclaren
Research Assistant: Huni Mancini
Cultural Advisors: Tu’ifonualava Kaivelata, Ma’ara Maeva, Dionne Fonoti
Locations:
Tongatapu, Kingdom of Tonga
Rarotonga, Cook Islands
Port Vila, Vanuatu
Auckland, NZ
Special thanks to:
Archive of Māori and Pacific Sound
Vanuatu Culture Center
Gallery Tavioni & Vananga
Alexander Turnbull Library
Auckland War Memorial Museum I Tāmaki Paenga Hira
Ngā Taonga Sound & Vision
Ministry of Culture & Heritage
Mahi Moana Inc.
Tagata Moana Cultural Lead: Mahi Moana Incorporated
Produced by: SOUNZ Centre for New Zealand Music I Toi te Arapūoru
This film is supported by funding from Manatū Taonga | The Ministry for Culture and Heritage.
© Copyright Centre for New Zealand Music Trust
