Blessing & Kava Ceremony (Oakland, CA,USA)

The Traditional Kava Ceremony continues to permeate Tongan society both in Tonga and overseas. Stregnthening cultural values and principles, while solidifying traditional ideals of duty and reciprocity. It reaffirms societal structures, and entrenching the practice of pukepuke fonua, or tightly holding on to the land. A Tongan cultural ideal to maintain, preserve, and live traditional Tongan culture.
At the "Head of the Circle" is the highest ranking of the ring. Beside him are his senior "Matapule" or his talking Chiefs. Following them around the rims of the circle are his close warriors. At the other end of the circle is the Tou'a and the kava cup servers. The arrangement of the kava circle is the physical manifestation of the fonua, the land and people, in communion with their leader, where all members of society are represented.
This ceremony was taken place in Oakland, CA. USA.
Head of the Circle: Dr. Siaosi Wesley Hingano
Chiefs: Tevita Mahe & Malakai Prescott
Circle of Warriors & Kava Servers: Youth & Young Adults of Laurel UMC
May 2022 | EPV Films