Maxwell’s fa’e (Mum), Ana, came to Manu to talk to us about what life was like for her when she was a child growing up in Tonga. Ana talked about the freedom they had as children to play in nature and that the only ‘toy’ they had was a ball. Ana spoke fondly of how the community was one – no fences!
Ana showed us some special items from her culture like the tapa cloth made from the bark of the paper mulberry tree. Ana talked about the importance of the coconut (Nui) tree and how all the tree is used both for food and fibre. It is very hot in Tonga so it is important to use your fan to help you to keep cool.
Ana modelled her special woven skirt/ta’ovala. This is a garment worn on special occasions. Ana brought some Tongan yams that we cooked and ate with coconut cream. We all loved the fruit especially the mango. Kaiako – Rhonda