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Pacifica: Tales from the South Seas – Episode 1 (1993)

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Maki

This clip chosen to be G

Clip description

A couple is dancing, then there is a close-up of a young woman (Maki) dancing. The narration states that the gods of the Cook Islanders have lost their power. Maki introduces herself and speaks about her cultural practices. Over a lightning storm, she explains the restrictions the missionaries have placed on the islanders.

Curator’s notes

The traditions of the Cook Islanders are ancient, rich and complex and the threats and constraints imposed by the Christian missionaries seem immoral today. The lightning storm is a metaphor to illustrate the threat posed by the missionaries to the islanders’ traditional way of life.