Polynesian Culture

Duration: 756 ft. #21

Year Published: 1958

Creator: Barr Films.

Format: 16mm

Color: Color

Sound: Sound

Description: Portrays the basic pattern of an ancient way of life as it still exists in the villages of American Samoa; shows how a self-sufficient people utilize the products of their isolated island world to meet daily needs.

Complete Record: Overview of Polynesian life showing “primitive peoples”, native dancer, villages in Samoa, tree falls, Samoan house being built, man sitting belly out, making strands of fiber twisted for use in building house, tying the roof frame with “sennet” (twisted fiber), women make thatched roof w/ palm leaves sections lifted to roof, palm leaf shutters on house, sleeping mats aired outside. example of finest Samoan house - interior structure, gathering plant materials to weave thatched roofs & shutters, palm trees, native boy weaves palm frond into basket, palm leaf baskets & carrying pole, man stands by sea w/ surf man & canoe. Man carves canoe w/ metal chopping tool, bow shaped outrigger float installed by 2 men on fitted booms on canoe (tied w/ sennet braid), 3 men carry canoe to beach, fishermen w/ braided net, fisherman throws fishing net, group of men & boys carry palm leaves into water, chop water w/ machetes, drawing fish to palm leaves, breaking open poisonous nuts, hand grinds nut on volcanic nut, paralyzed fish gathered from water, Polynesian farmer, taro plant pulled & root chopped, digging stick, bread fruit trees, bananas piled, climbing palm (coconut) tree, stripping coconut of husk, drinking from coconut, preparing breadfruit & taro root for cooking on hot stones, green banana leaves cover food hold in heat, festive occasions - natives dress up, cook, 2 girls eat from palm serving trays, cutting roast pig, chiefs daughter, elaborate headdress, female dance, ornate headdress on girl, medium shot girl w/ headdress dances w/ seated natives.

Metadata Source:Educational film guide. Supplements (1959-62)