KAITAIA (New Zealand) - The Matapule’s sonorous voice echoed throughout the hall, as the female Tou’a carefully stirred a mixture of the pounded Kava root with water inside the Tano’a (Bowl). On the wall behind the Matapule draped the Ngatu (Decorated Bark Cloth) with a giant palm tree leaf standing on either side. Strewn across the floor were more fine mats on which the Men & Women of the ‘Tonga Ma’a Tonga’ National Basketball Team sat cross-legged, opposite each other and thus formulating the alofi (Kava ring). They wore matching polo shirts and black Tupenu (Skirt). On top of that, they were elegantly adorned in their traditional formal attire, which for the men was the Ta’ovala (Waist-Mat), and the women wore the Kiekie (ornamental girdle). These garments were held in place by the Kafa, a traditional rope constructed using coconut husk. They reverently sat in silent anticipation, as the formalities of the kava ceremony took place, and awaited their call to action.

Tonga Kava Ceremony — *Photo courtesy of Kara-Lynne Enari*

What is Kava?

Kava is a native plant of Pasifika countries (Hawaii, Federated States of Micronesia, Vanuatu, Fiji, the Samoas and Tonga). It translates to ‘bitter’ in the Tongan language and is also their national drink. Kava is highly revered and respected amongst Pasifika nations and is consumed for a variety of reasons such as medicinally, religious and culturally, as well as socially. It is a soporific, as the root of the plant induces a calm state of drowsiness and sedation, as well as having anaesthetic and euphoric properties.

Why is there a ceremony?

Origin Story

In Tonga, the origin of the Kava plant and its associating ritual ceremony stems from the supernatural tale of Kava’onau. Legend has it that Kava’onau, daughter of Fevanga and Fefafa, was sacrificed by her parents as a tribute to the 10th Tui Tonga (King), Momo. The King and his entourage had been sea fishing nearby and came to their island to rest. Upon hearing word of their Kings arrival, the couple sought to provide food for the royal consort. However they had inadequate resources and what little they had was unworthy, so out of duty and love for their King, they sacrificed Kava’onau. The King was informed of their deed and was filled with emotion and regret, swiftly leaving with his entourage. After some time, the old couple found two plants growing from the grave of Kava’onau, Sugarcane and Kava. After noticing the sedative effect it had on rats who chewed away at the plant, the couple told the visiting Chief Lo’au. Lo’au then took the plant to present to the King and told him of it’s properties. The King then implemented the kava ceremony to memorialise the family's sacrifice and solidify the king's duty to care for and lead his people.

Kava Ceremony

Thus, whenever the monarch of Tonga is installed, along with other chief nobles, they have the ‘Taumafa Kava’ or Royal Kava Ceremony. The sacred ritual is systematically arranged based on hierarchy and is politically significant, as the King and chief nobles are traditional landholders and may hold positions of governance due to their status and rank. Alternatively, on a more informal level, there are ‘Faikava’ sessions which are conducted by ‘commoners’ and are held in a more private setting such as their home or in a club. Depending on the occasion it could be held in a church for religious reasons or perhaps for a wedding or funeral. It can be conducted as a community-based fundraiser to help a group member or farmers/fisherman gather to unwind after a hard day at work.

The kava ceremony is a representation of core values and ideals such as:

Fefaka’apa’apa’aki (mutual respect)
Feveitokai’aki (sharing, cooperating and fulfilment of mutual obligations)
Lototoo (humility and generosity)
Tauhi vaha’a (loyalty and commitment)

Regardless of the purpose or occasion, kava ceremonies ultimately bring people together and are a vessel of cultural practices, knowledge, and identity.

Tonga Ma’a Tonga

All new players or debutants are required to introduce themselves, who their parents are, as well as the villages their from, and then recite their statement of intent. A clap instigated this process as the Tou’a would fill a coconut shell with kava and then present it to the nominated individual, who would then proceed with their speech. Upon conclusion, they will then receive the shell and consume the kava and thus becoming fully initiated into the Tonga Ma’a Tonga Basketball Team.

“Ko ‘eku fu eni ‘eku fua kava, ke u fakafofonga’i ‘a Tonga” (Tongan)

“I hereby accept my induction kava to represent Tonga” (English)

Naturally, sporting competition is what brings various people from far and wide together in one place, however, it is important to recognise the heritage that binds us all together. Especially given that many young people in the diaspora live in Western Cultures and may have forgotten or aren’t exposed to their Tongan background. Players are often seen consulting each other as well as thier parents for information, or to rehearse their lines as they prepare for their call to action. The ceremony is a conduit for players to learn or reconnect with Tonga as well marking the beginning of their representative duties.

The Kava Initiation Ceremony

What is Kava?

Why is there a ceremony?

Tonga Ma’a Tonga