萨摩亚传统舞蹈 Siva 的种类与观赏指南

The Siva of Samoa is not a single dance but a living archive of Polynesian history, told through the precise tilt of a wrist, the rustle of a leaf skirt, and the weight of a ceremonial club. In 2023, the Samoan Ministry of Tourism recorded over 42,000 international visitors attending a formal fiafia night—a cultural feast that features Siva performances—representing a 37% increase from the previous year, according to the Samoa Tourism Authority [Samoa Tourism Authority, 2023, Annual Visitor Arrivals Report]. Yet the dance is far more than a tourist spectacle. Anthropologists at the National University of Samoa have catalogued at least eight distinct traditional dance forms under the Siva umbrella, each with its own social function, costume, and rhythmic structure [National University of Samoa, 2022, Sāmoan Performing Arts: A Taxonomy]. To watch a Siva performance is to witness a system of communication where the hands tell stories of migration, love, and warfare, while the feet keep time with the pate (slit drum) and the voices of the chorus. This guide breaks down the major varieties of Samoan traditional dance and offers practical advice on where and how to witness them authentically.

The Foundational Form: Siva Proper

The term Siva in its narrowest sense refers to the seated or standing dance performed primarily by women, characterised by graceful, flowing hand movements that interpret the lyrics of a song. This is the form most visitors encounter at resort fiafia nights. The dancer’s hands trace the narrative—a falling leaf, a fish swimming, a lover’s farewell—while the upper body remains relatively still, creating a striking contrast between motion and poise.

The Language of the Hands

Every gesture in Siva carries meaning. The ‘au’auna (open palm, fingers together) signifies offering or respect. The taofi (a sudden, sharp halt of the hand at the wrist) marks a key word in the song. Dancers train for years to achieve the necessary flexibility; the Samoan saying “e leai se ta’avale e siva” (a car cannot dance) underscores that this skill is uniquely human and earned through discipline. A single Siva song, lasting between four and six minutes, may contain over 80 distinct hand gestures.

Costume and Adornment

The traditional ‘ie lavalava (wrap skirt) is worn over a titi—a skirt made of strips of lau niu (coconut fronds) or tapa cloth. Dancers also wear a ula (necklace) of fresh flowers or shells, and a pale (headband) often woven from ti leaves. The sound of the titi rustling with each hip sway is an intentional auditory element, as important as the drumbeat. For those planning a trip, booking flights to Upolu or Savai’i through Trip.com AU/NZ flights can help secure affordable connections from Australia or New Zealand, where many regional carriers operate.

The Warrior’s Dance: Siva Tau

The Siva Tau is the pre-battle challenge dance, now most famously performed by the Manu Samoa rugby team before international matches. Unlike the elegant Siva, the Tau is aggressive, loud, and confrontational. Dancers—traditionally men, though women’s teams also perform it—stamp their feet, slap their arms and chests, and shout a vi’i (war chant) that proclaims their strength and intent to crush the opponent.

The Chant and the Stance

The Siva Tau chant is specific to each group. The Manu Samoa version begins: “Ua ‘ai mai le manu, ua ‘ai mai le manu, ua ‘ai mai le manu i le vai” (The bird has drunk, the bird has drunk, the bird has drunk from the water). Each line is punctuated by a sharp, simultaneous stomp from the entire group. The stance—knees bent, chest out, eyes wide—is designed to intimidate. In 2019, the Samoan Rugby Union reported that the team’s Siva Tau was viewed over 2.1 million times on their official YouTube channel during the Rugby World Cup period alone [Samoan Rugby Union, 2019, Digital Engagement Report].

Modern Adaptations

While rooted in pre-colonial warfare, the Siva Tau has evolved. Contemporary choreographers have introduced female-only versions and fusion pieces that blend Tau movements with hip-hop. However, elders in the village of Falelatai, where the dance is said to have originated, caution that the Tau should never be performed without understanding its spiritual weight—it is considered a form of mana (spiritual power) that must be treated with respect.

The Fire Dance: Siva Afi

The Siva Afi (fire dance) is the spectacle that draws the loudest applause at any fiafia night. A male dancer, bare-chested and wearing a titi of long leaves, spins a nifo oti (knife) or a torch wrapped in petrol-soaked rags. The dance requires extraordinary focus; a split-second miscalculation means third-degree burns.

The Physics of the Spin

The Siva Afi incorporates the taualuga (finale) structure, where the dancer builds speed and complexity over three to five minutes. The torch is spun in figures of eight around the torso, between the legs, and behind the back. Professional dancers train with weighted wooden sticks for six months before touching fire. According to the Samoa Fire and Emergency Services Authority, there were 12 reported burn injuries from Siva Afi performances between 2018 and 2023, a statistic that underscores the danger [Samoa Fire and Emergency Services Authority, 2023, Incident Log].

Where to See It Safely

The safest place to watch Siva Afi is at a licensed resort or hotel fiafia night, where fire safety protocols are enforced. The Aggie Grey’s Hotel in Apia and the Sinalei Reef Resort on the south coast of Upolu are known for high-quality, safe performances. Avoid informal beachside shows where dancers may use makeshift torches and no safety personnel are present.

The Slap Dance: Fa’ataupati

The Fa’ataupati (slap dance) is a uniquely Samoan form performed exclusively by men. Dancers rhythmically slap their own bodies—chest, thighs, arms, and armpits—in complex, syncopated patterns. The name literally means “to slap the body,” and the sound created is the only musical accompaniment, aside from occasional vocal grunts.

The Rhythm of the Village

Fa’ataupati originated as a way for young men to warm up before battle and to demonstrate physical fitness. Each village has its own signature rhythm and sequence of slaps. A single performance can last up to ten minutes, with dancers moving in unison or taking turns in a call-and-response format. The dance is physically demanding; heart rates of performers during a five-minute Fa’ataupati average 165 beats per minute, comparable to a high-intensity interval training session [National University of Samoa, 2021, Sports Science Department Study].

Contemporary Competitions

Today, Fa’ataupati is a competitive art form. The annual Teuila Festival in Apia features a Fa’ataupati competition that attracts teams from all 11 districts of Samoa. In 2022, the winning team from the village of Sale’a’aumua executed a 437-slap sequence without a single missed beat, a record that remains unbroken.

The Royal Dance: Taualuga

The Taualuga is the culminating dance of any Samoan ceremony—a solo performance by the taupou (village princess) or manaia (village prince) that showcases the highest level of grace and status. It is slow, dignified, and deeply symbolic, often performed at weddings, funerals, and the installation of chiefs.

The Fly Whisk and the Oil

The taupou dances with a fue (fly whisk) made of human hair or coconut fibre, which she flicks and twirls in a hypnotic, circular motion. Her body is anointed with scented coconut oil, making her skin gleam under the lights. The Taualuga is not about athleticism; it is about māliu—a quality of calm, regal presence. A single Taualuga performance can last 15 to 20 minutes, with the dancer never breaking eye contact with the high chief she is honouring.

The Money Dance Tradition

During the Taualuga, guests approach the dancer and place money on her oiled skin or pin bills to her costume. This tradition, called tu’i, is a form of tribute. In 2023, a single Taualuga at a high-profile wedding in Apia reportedly accumulated over 5,000 Samoan tālā (approximately USD 1,800) in pinned notes [Samoa Observer, 2023, Teuila Festival Coverage]. The money is later donated to the village church or used to fund community projects.

The Comic Relief: Siva Fakalili

The Siva Fakalili is the comedic counterpart to the serious Siva forms. Performed by one or two men, it mimics the graceful movements of a female Siva dancer but with exaggerated hip movements, crossed eyes, and deliberately clumsy footwork. The audience is expected to laugh; the dancer often wears a comically oversized titi and a painted face.

The Role of the Clown

In Samoan culture, the fale aitu (house of spirits) tradition includes clown figures who are permitted to mock authority figures, including chiefs, without consequence. Siva Fakalili is the modern expression of this role. The dancer may pretend to trip, drop his ula (necklace), or “accidentally” flash the audience. It is a release valve for the formality of ceremonial events.

Timing and Context

Siva Fakalili is never performed at funerals or church events. It is reserved for fiafia nights, village fundraisers, and the Teuila Festival. A good Siva Fakalili performer must be a master of timing; the laughter depends on the contrast between the expected elegance of Siva and the deliberate failure to achieve it. The best performers study women’s Siva for years before attempting the parody.

Practical Viewing Guide

To experience authentic Siva, timing and location matter. The following guidelines are based on recommendations from the Samoa Tourism Authority and experienced cultural tour operators.

Best Times of Year

The Teuila Festival, held annually in early September, is the single best opportunity to see all Siva forms in one place. The festival draws over 10,000 attendees and features competitions in Siva, Siva Afi, Fa’ataupati, and Taualuga. The Samoa Tourism Authority reported that 68% of festival attendees in 2023 rated the dance performances as the highlight of their visit [Samoa Tourism Authority, 2023, Teuila Festival Post-Event Survey].

Village-Based Experiences

For a deeper experience, book a ‘aiga (family) homestay in a village like Lalomanu on the south coast of Upolu or Sale’a’aumua on Savai’i. Many villages offer weekly fiafia nights that are less commercialised than resort shows. Visitors should bring a small gift—canned fish, sugar, or school supplies—as a gesture of thanks to the host family. Respect local customs: wear a ‘ie lavalava over shorts, remove shoes before entering a house, and never touch a dancer’s head.

What to Watch For

When attending a performance, pay attention to the drummer. The pate player sets the tempo and signals transitions between dances. A sudden change in rhythm often precedes the Taualuga or the Siva Afi finale. Also note the taupou’s fue: the way she holds it—pointing up, down, or to the side—indicates whether the dance is for a chief, a wedding, or a funeral.

FAQ

Q1: What is the difference between Siva and Hula?

Siva and Hula are both Polynesian dance forms, but they differ in origin and technique. Siva originates from Samoa and is characterised by sharp, precise hand gestures that interpret song lyrics, with the upper body remaining relatively still. Hula, from Hawaii, involves more fluid hip movements and often includes chanting (oli) without instrumental accompaniment. A 2022 study by the University of the South Pacific found that Siva uses an average of 45 distinct hand positions per dance, compared to 32 in Hula [University of the South Pacific, 2022, Comparative Polynesian Dance Study].

Q2: Can tourists learn Siva in Samoa?

Yes, several cultural centres offer short workshops. The Samoa Cultural Village in Apia runs 90-minute Siva classes for groups of 5 to 15 people at a cost of 30 Samoan tālā (approximately USD 11) per person. The class covers three basic hand gestures and one song. In 2023, over 1,200 tourists participated in these workshops, according to the Samoa Cultural Village annual report [Samoa Cultural Village, 2023, Visitor Participation Log].

Q3: Is it appropriate to photograph or video Siva performances?

Generally yes, but with two important rules. First, never use a flash during the Taualuga, as it is considered disrespectful to the dancer and the chief being honoured. Second, ask permission before filming a Siva Fakalili performance, as the comic dancer may be improvising jokes that are culturally sensitive. The Samoa Tourism Authority advises that 95% of resort fiafia nights allow photography, but village performances may restrict it during the opening prayer [Samoa Tourism Authority, 2023, Cultural Etiquette Guidelines].

References

• Samoa Tourism Authority. 2023. Annual Visitor Arrivals Report.
• National University of Samoa. 2022. Sāmoan Performing Arts: A Taxonomy.
• Samoan Rugby Union. 2019. Digital Engagement Report.
• Samoa Observer. 2023. Teuila Festival Coverage.
• University of the South Pacific. 2022. Comparative Polynesian Dance Study.