Music of the Cook Islands

Source: Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.

The music of the

imene metua
(lit. hymn of the parent/ancestor).

Traditional dance is the most prominent art form of the Cook Islands. Each island has its own unique dances that are taught to all children, and each island is home to several annual competitions. Traditional dances are generally accompanied by the drumming of the

pate.[1]

The Cook Islands drumming style is well known internationally, but is often misidentified as an example of Tahitian music.[1] This is most uncommon as the Cook Islands have a strong connection to their Tahitian ancestry.

Harmony-singing church music and a wide variety of hymns and wedding and funeral music are found throughout the Cook Islands. There is much variation across the region, and each island has its own traditional songs.[2]

References

  1. ^ a b Cook Islands
  2. ^ Linkels
  • Linkels, Ad. "The Real Music of Paradise". 2000. In Broughton, Simon and Ellingham, Mark with McConnachie, James and Duane, Orla (Ed.), World Music, Vol. 2: Latin & North America, Caribbean, India, Asia and Pacific, pp 218–229. Rough Guides Ltd, Penguin Books.
  • "Art and Culture". Cook Islands. 2006. Retrieved April 10, 2006.