Profile of a Composer: Ihaia Puka, a Pulotu of the Tokelau Islands

Abstract

By the designation pulotu Tokelau Islanders acknowledge master craftsmanship in their contemporary song-poetry tradition. The title is only given to experienced and distinguished composers who have built for themselves a reputation through many works over a considerable period of time. Pulotu may be translated as "composer-maker of songs," but "poet" would be equally apt as the words of a song are the first element to be created and are the foundation for the music and dance features. The composer/poet is often also the choreographer who devises dance movements that extend and express the words of the song, and he or she may perform in the work as dance leader or as part of the singing or dancing group.