“Meke is a style of music and dance performed by Fijians to express their history and legends.”

Kendra Hein, 2014 Fellow.

“They are both accompanied by an orchestra of men and women (vakatara) who play musical instruments and sing.” Kendra Hein, 2014 Fellow

“The dancers (matana) may be men performing a war dance with decorated spears, or women performing a slow, smooth dance with woven fans as they sit.” Kendra Hein, 2014 Fellow

“Their way of life is honest and straightforward. In Fiji, you do the things you have to in order to live comfortably, and you smile and laugh a lot.” Jozie Banas, 2014 NSF-REU Fellow

“Kava is a very mild narcotic that is consumed during Fijian ceremonies. To some Westerners, it tastes like dirt. But even with this taste when drinking kava you feel as if you’re part of the culture.” Kendra Hein, 2014 Fellow

“Mekes are used to welcome guests, and tell love stories.” Kendra Hein, 2014 Fellow

Meke is a style of music and dance performed by Fijians to express their history and legends. Meke are used to welcome guests, and tell love stories.  The dancers (matana) may be men performing a war dance with decorated spears, or women performing a slow, smooth dance with woven fans as they sit. They are both accompanied by an orchestra of men and women (vakatara) who play musical instruments and sing.

Kendra Hein, 2014 Fellow