culture culture reflects traditions islands island country spread square kilometres free association new_zealand traditions based influences settled islands centuries people settled 6th century portuguese captain recorded european landing islands early 17th century years later 18th century british navigator captain arrived giving islands current missionaries developed written language bringing schools christianity early 19th century known country official language supports preserves country national heritage popular traditional dances sacred ritual usually performed female moves body tell story accompanied intense drumming craft locals seen dresses jewellery crafted local products shells important practice women type typical cuisine consumed fresh octopus lamb pig fresh fruit especially rugby union bowling popular sports islands hosted pacific cup cup offers dignity limited power historical chiefs islands social hierarchy background settlers arrived 6th century portuguese captain european recorded landing islands captain cook gave islands current arrived missionaries early 1800s brought schools christianity developed written language social hierarchy social hierarchy sacred matters controlled high chiefs typically island ruler tribe lesser noble ranks social hierarchy minor chiefs chief control gained lost established power derived birth achievements status declining popularity perceived lacking lead loss social control controlled titles continue passed family lines associated ancient ceremonies traditions continue practised present day parliamentary body established composed high chiefs limited power women organisations difficulty separating national politics largest women organisations christian church national catholic women league women affiliated local churches mythology religion mythology myths legends known land gods ancestors prominent figures include belief mystic power use passed generations tales supernatural spirits common practice islands people generations explain unusual events woven discussions social relationships rights historical events spirit shelters exist islands typically children stems missionary instrumental conversion christianity brought missionaries converted island population subsequent group missionaries went followed williams encountered difficulty converting population tribes divided chiefs priests colleague williams central figure missionary work lived theological college founded trains nation largest religious language literature officially named known nation official language mutually spoken islands examples eventually published included language studies compilation assistance works established established developed isolation island considered scholars distinct language naming symbolic tradition islands population names form link ancestors friends titles land events relationships dreamed created change limited events birth marriage death occur association bad names men women vary person person family unit considering relatively small size islands notable literary scene credited writing musical compositions poetry producing folk opera composer poet toured communications adviser commended secular writings known writings culture wrote extensive collection stories based legends known children story poets produced television series episodes children number popular songs dramas unknown artists presented television radio available cds radio programs islands broadcast native language english music dance music characterised heavy drums men perform equivalent hawaiian locking feet ground keeping shoulders steady drums form ensemble performing groups include troupe folk dance troupe main specialist music retail islands dances performed festivals popular traditional dances sacred ritual usually performed female moves body tell story accompanied intense drumming moving legs hands different gestures audience tell tale typically related natural landscape ocean birds flowers feelings love sadness dance distinct components drum dances legends action songs perform women typically wear grass skirt flowers shell known men dance said vigorously knees semi position holding upper bodies steady typically wear skirts drumming group integral typically consists lead drummer support lead double player playing wooden players playing skin drums travel writer asserts finest performances sexually charged variant dance known men women involved telling story variations include dance fan dance spear dance torch dance aside dance components genres music dance including dance dramas religious formal chants celebratory chants choral music like accompanied drums art local residents developed style clothing jewellery local products shells giving somebody shell necklace placing recipients neck goodwill love gesture type called typically brightly coloured like islands fiji cook known hand painted silk screened dress important practice women type fine especially workshop produces items like spears masks items sold places like displays paintings local artists landscape artist sells drawings paintings home studio crafts stores featured numerous publications islands cuisine island location fact produce significant array fruits vegetables natural local produce especially features dishes islands fresh food imported new_zealand associations contribute produce local cuisine typical local cuisine includes octopus fresh lime lemon dish leaves cooked sauce meal octopus known locally pig known dish raw fish lemon lime served cream local fish fare ways banana milk popular water local beer coffee popular cook sports like islands popular sport cook islands national rugby union team began playing international stage rugby played association rugby table tennis division plays national stadium venues bowling popular clubs including presided organised annually motorcycle golf racing sailing clubs broader scale notable associations cook islands game fishing club support fishing enthusiasts country hosted pacific cup cup administration preservation native defined native relics articles ancient native tools according native methods articles things historical scientific value interest relating protected cultural events coordinated established act parliament administrative mechanism specially oriented promotion culture islands functional late 1980s prime minister keen promoting island culture established number monuments created backed financial resources activity got boost creation expressive arts large influx tourist island knowledge adopted culture regions repealed act provided preservation country cultural heritage encouragement cultural art forms maintenance unique cultural national identity people promotes cultural heritage entire region including represents large variety material culture islands history traditional techniques dancing fishing weaving medicine food preparation cook islands cultural village
Culture of the Cook Islands