Sipi Tau War Dance

Tonga may be a small island, but the ancestors of these friendly islanders were once a fierce and strong people who protected their families, lands and culture from invaders. They were the proud and powerful people of Polynesia. Their passionate chants, fierce looks and threatening moves performed in a traditional, war dance before battles have been handed down from generation to generation in every Pacific Island culture. The Tongan war dance is called Sipi Tau and it originated to prepare warriors for battle. Anciently, this traditional dance was done before going to battle. Now, it is mostly performed as a challenge to the opposing team before the start of a rugby match or sports event.