Ori Tahiti
The Dance of Tahiti
A Tahitian song written by Heremoana Ma’ama’atuaiahutapu about the stunning natural beauty of the island, conjuring vivid images of fragrant flowers of Ahurai and Fanatea, encouraging us all to dance in joy. The song celebrates the scent and delicate beauty of the flowers. There are so many beautiful flowers in
Te pua no’ano’a i Ahura’i,
Can you smell the flowers? I can.
All the pretty flowers, everywhere we go
We pick flowers and more flowers
Tie them with a string
When we wear our crown of flowers
We’ll find love in everything
‘Ia hura mai, ‘ia hura mai!
Come and dance! Come and
Dancing was a traditionally important part of Tahitian culture. It was the people’s way of life and a part of ceremonies throughout the French Polynesian islands for thousands of years. The dancing was used to enthrall a lover, to challenge an enemy, to worship a god, and even for prayer.
There are four main styles of Tahitian dance – ōte'a, aparima, hivinau and pa'o'a. The most well-known dance is the ‘Ote-a. It is fast paced with rapid hip shakes, graceful arm movements and powerful Tahitian drum percussion. The dance talks about life. Men often tell war and adventure stories. The women’s dances are about home life or nature.
The dancers wear elaborate costumes such as grass skirts with tassel belts to highlight the hip movements and brightly colored flower headdresses.
In the 1800s the missionaries outlawed Tahitian dances. In 1956 Madelaine Moua gave the dance a new life by creating a group named Heiva. Many dance groups, born in this time, still exist today. The yearly Heiva I Tahiti became the biggest dance contest where the entire population comes together for weeks to celebrate traditional Tahitian dance, music and songs. Tourism developed because people became fascinated by the Tahitian dance and culture.
For many years the annual Heiva has been the most important event in Tahiti.
The beauty of the traditional Ori Tahiti inspired the creation of the Tahitian Dancer Art Doll Mahana.
Mahana (Sun)
The Tahitian Dancer
Birth Date: Lune 4, 2023 (06/04/23)
Mahana’s dance reveals the power of positive change and awakening.
Her smile is like sunshine, warming body and soul.
Dancing the ‘Ote-a, Mahana’ arms move gracefully swinging her Iis (tassels) while her hips swirl faster and faster to the powerful rhythm of the drum. Her dance tells stories about love and the beautiful Tahitian flowers.
Mahana has the greatest respect for all of life and always honors it in her dance.
Like sunshine, Mahana's energy nourishes and rejuvenates the spirit within.
The body is made out of doll skin, stuffed with high quality poly fill and wired for flexibility. The eyes and mouth are intricately embroidered onto the face giving the doll a unique personality. All accessories were individually hand crafted.
Mahana is not dress up dolls. All clothing and accessories are sewn and/or glued onto her.
Doll care: Gently brush the dolls and their clothing with a soft toothbrush to remove dust. Always brush the faces and bodies upwards towards the hair. You may gently comb her hair.
Mahana is a one of a kind Hawaiian Art Doll and comes with a booklet and certificate of authenticity. She is a display doll and collector’s item bringing you the spiritual power of Tahiti.
Every bit of Mahana has been lovingly handcrafted to create a new friend who will last a lifetime.
Mahana and Asahi are ready to be your new friends and
dance their way into your heart.
Mahana’s and Asahi's dance reveal the spirit of love.
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