Grand Fianale

The last day of the festival was supposed to have a dance workshop, so several of us girls decided to attend. But unfortunately the instructor did not show. So one of the girls offered to show us how to make hats out of a palm leaf. First we had to cut the newest sprout from the heart of a young tree. Then we had to split each piece of the leaf.

Next you make the center of the headband by folding over the last one with the first one.

Now weave the pieces together.

Over, under, over, under......

once you get to the ends of each leaf part, it is starting to take shape.

Beautiful Zane, from Latvia, in her new stylish palm frond hat!!

It is not as easy as it looks!!

A wood carver brought his work to shore as a demonstration. He had chisels of all shapes and sizes.

There were quite a few people watching him work in the shade of a tree.

He wasn't finished yet, as these big ones can take a month or more to carve. Happy guy!

This young man was trying his hand at rock balancing.

This was the last night, so we got to the dance show real early and staked our claim front and center! The drums were starting to pound in this video.

Tonight's show was a mix of dancers from each group dancing together for the first time (well except for the one practice they had earlier that afternoon).

Front and center we got the Grand show!

The chief is calling to the crowd.

Who dares to challenge?

With those costumes and tattoos, these are fierce warriors!

The girls come on stage with their similarly dressed leader.

This video shows the women dancing for the men, with great drumming and me laughing in the background.

The singing/chanting was intense.

The crazy flamboyant guy was staring down the crowd. And those are some big bones on his necklace!

He turns and they do a sitting dance, waving their arms about.

Next, Miss Marquesas arrives with her escort.

Who is the prettiest girl in the Marquesas??

And check out that tat on her back!! As he presents her to the dancers.

The Tanes (men) gawk in awe of their prize Vahinie (woman)!

These people have incredible physic! Beautiful human sculptures!

Each of the chiefs present her with gifts.

OK I have to be blatantly sexist here, oh my god that guy has a nice ass!

The whole dance group is ready.

A most fierce looking warrior has her right where he wants her, on his knee!

More couples come to the front of the stage.

This is the couples dance.

It is the beginning of the last bird dance.

They are all smiling and having fun, knowing it is almost over!

This lovely lady has an interesting turtle on her feather crown and incredible tattoos on her legs.

Video of of the beginning of the bird dance.

They all take a turn holding feathers in their fingers doing the dance.

Flapping their arms like wings.

The queen of the ball struts her stuff, while the tikis watch from behind.

The women sing while she flaps her wings.

Now they are all in unison as the men begin to sneak in.

They have her surrounded!

As the other gal comes in the men scatter.

Everyone is on stage for the final dance.

Video of the knee slapping and hooting and hollering.

Once the show is over, several people come out so the crowd can have their photo with them. Look at those beautiful smiles on the girls with the yellow and purple flower crowns. Hang loose y'all

Thank you so much to the Commune of Tahuata for putting on such a fun event!! This is their logo.