Hiva Katoa Presents: 'URIRI & VAIMA

**This performance is dedicated to the matricarch of Polynesian performans and entertainers, a woman of strength who ruled with an iron fist, yet exuded confidence, elegance, and beauty at the same time, the legendary Estealla "Nonosina" Reid, also known as Gram.**

Our Polynesian people were not only voyagers, but STORYTELLERS!

As the San Diego Pacific Islander Festival went virtual this year, Hiva Katoa decided to share stories not only through song and dance, but also through VISUAL ART.

In doing so, we hope there's more for viewers to take away than dance, but something fulfilling.... CULTURE!

We hope you enjoy learning about 'Uriri and Vaima (see descriptions below) and get a glimpse into our home, the studio life of HIVA KATOA.

Māuruuru roa!

***PART I: 'URIRI
The ‘uriri is a long distance migratory bird. They breed in Siberia, Alaska and North West Canada, and migrate south to the Pacific Islands, Australia and Aotearoa.

The ‘uriri can be found prancing along the shorelines, digging in sand or skipping from rock to rock in search of food. Whether it is wading peacefully or prancing around, it always seems to be singing and dancing; bobbing its tail up and down in a sort of buoyant rhythm.

The ‘Uriri is a medium size bird and mostly gray with thick yellow legs. It has white accents above and below the eyes and dark contours that extend to their slender beak. In the spring, they begin to molt, revealing dark patterns on their chest and new flight feathers.

In Tahiti, the place that is now referred to as Mataiea, was once called “Vai’uriri” because of the many ‘Uriri that gathered there... The ‘Uriri in this story can be viewed as the physical manifestations of the Gods of Water (hence the name Vai’uriri) and sacred messengers. They sang “U-RI-RI” and the people were warned that invaders were near...

The ‘uriri is a bird that migrates globally and makes itself at home. A bird that shares a sacred message, through song and dance. A bird that is thought of as a “visitor” as we are all visitors to this culture, through ‘Ori Tahiti.

And just like all of us have experienced, are experiencing, or one day, will experience… molting our old feathers to reveal bolder, new flight feathers, gives us the opportunity to soar… ‘A RERE!

Tumu Parau & Music: Napua & Mevina Liufau
Reo Tahiti: Hinatea Colombani

***PART II: VAIMA
Vaima is located in ta semi-secluded area on the southern coast of Tahiti. The crystal clear fresh water spring, sits at the basin of the Vaima river believed to be connected to the mythical lake Vaihiria. The water is so fresh, you can drink it. Now, this water source is sacred. Legend has it, in ancient times Vaima was known to heal those who were physically hurt. For those experiencing anxiety, depression, or any mental ailments, this water source would bring peace within.

Tumu Parau & Music: Jeannie & Noa Napoleon
Reo Tahiti: Hinatea Colombani

Video created by: Cotch Motion Pictures (Cotch Diaz & Dominic Blas)