' /> Entry for March 17th, 2010: I've been researching on this island for nearly 7 years, but none of my past encounters could prepare me for this...
One night, I spotted 8 or 9 natives dancing frantically against a backdrop of a very bright moon. There must have been some sort of celebration. Look at this electrifying dance. It seems as though the eldest of the group leads this one. She honors the moon with a very dramatic call coupled with an original dance. Such an entrancing tune. I found myself at times dancing along, even if I didn't fully understand the significance. Oh, the one with the chubby cheeks uses a shell to make her singing echo.
Now they are changing their pattern. This dance seems to honor a girl who may be leaving soon. There is a certain hint of royalty, especially implied by the sound of the elder of the group.
The next song is extremely happy and energetic. I am somewhat reminded of another tribal group's music pattern. This seems to be more complex. The next most powerful of the tribe have prominent roles in this portion. They must be the most experienced.
Oh, now they're slowing down substantially. It's so sweet, almost enough to bring one to tears. What's this, louder now, and chanting with so much passion. Seems like a full effort from everyone. This is so exciting! I'm confused, it slowed down again. Now, for a very sweet conclusion with minimal instrumental elements, and an emphasis on vocals.
This appears to be a very proud dance, but seems to relate to a woman's restraint. The music reminds me of a very common sound that I heard on this island around 2004.
I'm amazed by this sound, and by only 3 of the members of this tribe.
Oh, there's the chubby one with her shell again. I feel as though I've heard this sound in the past also. Oh, she put her shell down for this part. She sounds fine without it. The oldest of this bunch is really getting into it. Such an impressive display.
The tribe leader and the second in command are next. I've read about such things but never imagined that I would witness it. I thought this style ended with the last of the Sun and Moon tribe, back in late 2000. It's so beautiful, few are so fortunate to experience this.
Oh, here is the leader again, followed by the girl who was wished good luck in the royal dance from earlier. I've observed that they pair experienced, with less experienced in this ritual. Many of remaining parts follow this pattern. It works well somehow. After a moment of silence, the one who carries a shell, whispers something softly.
The three remaining members are featured in this part of the celebration. There is so much energy, yet they have not been a part of this tribe for as long as the others. I sense that from this sound that at least two came from very far away, yet the song seems to be most significant to the remaining girl.
Now everyone is in unison, but they are singing to the young one who is leaving the tribe. All other members have a role, almost equally. It's very sweet and I imagine that I will remember this song for a long time.
A very interesting formation, the 9 are arranged as though they are relaying a secret message to one another. Some patterns remind me of the earliest trio's performance.
Perfect! My theory has been proven. The two who have been in the tribe for the least amount of time are leading the conclusion to the ritual, and from the sound of it, they definitely traveled very far before settling in this village. It's beautiful, the younger one has so much talent, but I really enjoy the voice of the other.
Ah, it's morning at last.
