An imene tuki is a traditional hymn of the Cook Islands. It is accompanied singing noted for a drop and raise in pitch at the end of phrases, and rhythmic nonsensical syllables, comparable to Scat singing. Similar syllables and improvisations are found in Tahitian Himene tarava.[1]

Hymn

The hymn commonly features four different harmonies. It contains a female soprano melody called a perepere, and a male bass line with rhythmic grunting. The performers also sway their arms left and right to the tune of the music.[2]

Location of performance

The song is usually played at church, and other religious locations. The dance is often called "Christian dancing", due its context.[2] An example of one of these performances occurred at the Cook Islands Christian Church at Titikaveka, where it was sung by many native children.[3]

History

Imene tuki was first discovered by missionaries arriving in the island in the 19th century. They were impressed by the scattered sounds, rhythmic chanting, and swaying of the music.[4]

References

  1. ↑ McLean, Mervyn (1999). Weavers of song: Polynesian music and dance, Volume 1999, Part 2. Auckland University Press. p. 80. ISBN 1-86940-212-X.
  2. 1 2 Alexeyeff, Kalissa (2009). Dancing from the Heart: Movement, Gender, and Cook Islands Globalization. University of Hawaii, Honolulu, Hawaii: University of Hawaii Press. p. 69. ISBN 978-0-8248-3244-5.
  3. ↑ Etches, Melina (25 July 2020). "Children embrace culture". Cook Islands News. Retrieved 17 August 2020.
  4. ↑ Riley, Frank (14 June 1979). "Pace Unhurried on Raratonga". The Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 17 August 2020 – via Newspapers.com.
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