Fiji — Meke

 

Edward Armen Stasack

  1929 - 2023 (biography)

c. 1957  

masonite intaglio 

15 7/8 x 21 1/2"  

pencil 

trial proof; edition about 3 

titled & dedicated in lc: "To Elizabeth" 

 

textured wove 

proof 

artist 

JW217 

$900.00 

Meke is a broad term in the Fijian language, primarily referring to all traditional style of dance. It is a cognate of the words "maka" (Rotuman) and "mele" (Hawaiian). It is typically performed during celebrations and festivals. Traditionally the dances that comprise the meke art form are performed by groups of men only or women only, however, foreign influences, such as the male/female Tongan ma'ulu'ulu becoming the Fijian vakamalolo, are evident throughout. The Fijian meke as both song and dance which only a few are given to invent and which those who do, allege that they do so in the spirit world where divine beings teach them the song and the appropriate dance. The ideal of the Fijian poet is poetry with every verse ending with the same vowell of regular measure, which, in practice is often achieved with poetic license through the use of arbitrary abbreviations or lengthenings, and omission of articles, etc.