The first published copy of a new book "Lakalaka, a Tongan Masterpiece of Performing Arts" was presented to HM Queen Nanasipau'u Tuku'aho this morning at Consular House, by the Tongan publisher Vava'u Press Ltd.

Directors Pesi and Mary Lyn Fonua presented the book authored by Dr Adrienne L. Kaeppler, which was published in Nuku'alofa today.

The richly illustrated 64-page book explains why the lakalaka is a unique legacy for Tonga and is considered by Tongans as the living cultural history of communities and the nation. The lakalaka is the only Pacific performing art that has been recognized as a masterpiece under a UNESCO programme.

Queen Nanasipau'u in receiving the books made reference to the importance of recording all of the lakalaka and Tongan dances.

The Queen mentioned that both she and King Tupou VI had appreciated the lakalaka performed during their recent trip to 'Eua for the Royal Agricultural Show, when the Niua people woke them with the dance. She said they were extremely touched to hear the singing performed to wake the king early in the morning.

"I can understand how Queen Salote on hearing the music was inspired to compose poetry for the lakalaka," she said.

Uniqueness

Today, the majestic lakalaka is a major art form of Tonga, and the wider world. Consisting of poetry that is sung and accompanied by dance, the importance and uniqueness of this performing art was recognized by UNESCO in 2003 when the Tongan Lakalaka was declared a "Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity."

The author hoped that the work would facilitate greater public awareness and appreciation of the importance of the Lakalaka Masterpiece and its cultural necessity for preserving national identity.

Adrienne first came to Tonga in 1964 when, as a student she was encouraged to research Tongan dance and culture by the late Queen Salote. The work for this book has involved numerous Tongan community members during her research on lakalaka for the past 40 years.

Six photographers were involved in the extensive photographic assignments of major lakalaka events in Tonga over several years, in order to illustrate the text for the book which features100 photos. The book was designed in Tonga by Vava'u Press and printed overseas.

Dr Adrienne L. Kaeppler is the curator of Oceanic Ethnology at the National Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian Institution in Washington DC and her research focuses on the interrelationships between social structure and the arts especially dance, music and visual arts. She has published widely on these subjects.