Koloa Tukufakaholo: The Management of Tonga's Cultural Heritage

Abstract

Tonga's cultural heritage or koloa tukufakaholo encompasses both the tangible - such as historic sites, material arts and crafts - and the intangible - such as oral traditions, myths, ceremonies and performance arts. Both the tangible and intangible are valued for their formal and functional purposes within Tongan society. Formally, they can be appreciated for their inherently aesthetic qualities expressed in terms of harmony and beauty. But in functional ways, their application can be of use to society. Such formal and functional qualities are an embodiment of the refined knowledge and skills of Tongan artists, whether it is in the art of oratory, performance arts, stone works, woodwork, weaving or tapa making to name a few. While the tangible and intangible can be regarded individually, they are closely interconnected. Historic sites and the material arts have intangible underpinnings in terms of the related myths and oral traditions of the former and the knowledge and skills required for the creation of the latter. Ceremonies and performance arts on the other hand are ephemeral in nature, taking on tangible or physical manifestations through time and space. This is evident when ceremonial practices are carried out or when performances of great social significance take place. The material and non-material dimensions of Tongan cultural heritage reflect the dual nature of Tonga's tangible and intangible heritage forms, where each contains elements of the other.