tulele

Tulele refers to a traditional Samoan dance, often performed by women. It is characterized by graceful hand and arm movements that tell a story or convey emotions. While hula is a more widely recognized Polynesian dance form, tulele shares similarities in its expressive storytelling through bodily gestures. The performers typically wear traditional Samoan attire, such as a lavalava and flower garlands. The music accompanying the tulele often involves chanting and percussion instruments like the pātē, a wooden slit drum. Tulele is an integral part of Samoan cultural celebrations, festivals, and important ceremonies, serving as a way to preserve and share ancestral narratives and cultural heritage. It is a visual representation of Samoan history, mythology, and daily life, passed down through generations. The precise movements and their meanings are learned through dedicated practice and instruction.