Introduction
The Pacific island nation Kiribati maintains cultural traditions that demonstrate its historical ties to its community and environmental heritage. The national identity preservation of Kiribati depends on the protection of its artistic elements to ensure that its historical heritage survives for future Kiribati generations. The creative expressions of Kiribati demonstrate how its people have preserved their creativity and resilience through traditional dances and historical landmarks. The conventional ways of Kiribati face increasing threats from climate change and globalization, making cultural preservation an urgent necessity.
Confinity devotes itself to protecting cultural heritage items in every society, with Kiribati among them. Confinity protects the country's diverse cultural heritage by operating the Cultural Heritage Preservation Archive, which preserves essential traditions for future generations. Through its educational function, the platform enables the sharing of traditional Kiribati customs information, ensuring their survival throughout future generations.
The Kiribati people perform the Te Bino dance to represent frigate bird movements because these dance steps demonstrate their abilities to navigate and forecast weather while maintaining peaceful relations with others. The introduction focuses on Kiribati's significant cultural landmarks, such as the Phoenix Islands Protected Area and the Nnabakana stone warriors, and the national strategy to shield artistic and historical assets from current risks. Cultural preservation programs enable Kiribati to preserve its unique heritage as it actively maintains its original traditions as a vital aspect of national identity.
National Overview
Geographical Context
The Pacific Ocean hosts the archipelagic nation of Kiribati which consists of 33 islands among which two types exist: Banaba stands as the sole raised coral island and the rest are 32 atolls. The country extends from all four hemispheric directions while maintaining extensive coral reefs around its low-lying atoll formations. The country’s maximum elevation reaches 81 meters on Banaba Island yet most areas remain at or below two meters throughout the territory. The vast economic zone stretches across 3,441,810 km².
The nation of Kiribati consists of 32 atolls and one raised coral island, Banaba. Banaba's highest elevation is 81 meters above sea level, although the actual measurement is 265 feet.
Demographics
The total population of Kiribati stands at 112,000, and twenty islands among its 32 atolls have permanent settlements. Most residents are of Micronesian descent, and family relationships and communal bonds form the core social values of the nation. The country demonstrates a high birth rate, while its population grows through urbanization, concentrated in Tarawa.
What Makes This Nation Unique
Dance Traditions
The traditional dances Te Mwaie and Te Kainikamaen of Kiribati feature movements that resemble birds, specifically the frigate bird, representing peace and navigation. Through their dances, Kiribati people narrate historical accounts, legendary stories, and everyday activities to display their deep cultural roots.
Bubuti System
Because of their tight social bonds, the bubble system maintains its status as an established mutual assistance system and shares traditions within I-Kiribati communities. Kiribati's social structure relies on community support and cooperation because these concepts form the foundation of its cultural fabric.
Notable Cities and Their Significance
Tarawa
The capital and most significant Settlement of Kiribati, Tarawa, has a resident population of 40,311. As an essential cultural and economic hub, the country operates its government from this location while maintaining key infrastructure. The northern part of Tarawa remains less populated than its southern region, which contains the densest population. Traditional I-Kiribati culture thrives throughout the city, offering lively market areas.
Betio Village
The population of Betio Village reaches 12,509 while it exists in South Tarawa—the main port functions in Betio Village as the economic center for Kiribati. Betio maintained great importance during World War II, leaving behind military equipment and underground bunkers that remain visible today.
Bikenibeu Village
Bikenibeu is a significant settlement in Gilbert Islands because its population reaches 6,170. This community supports the local economy through its traditional events and cultural practices.
Key Features
Tarawa
World War II history has made Tarawa famous through its crucial role in the Battle of Tarawa, where many war memorials and relics can be found today. Rich in traditional dances and music, Tarawa hosts various cultural performances and events. The city features two important landmarks: the Parliament Building and the Kiribati National Museum.
Betio Village
Kiribati's economic base depends on Betio because it is the principal port city. The site contains surviving World War II military equipment.
Bikenibeu Village
People in Bikenibeu follow traditional I-Kiribati customs and work together through community-based initiatives. The city hosts various local events and ceremonies.
Cultural Contributions
Tarawa
The cultural activities in Tarawa are the primary center for traditional dance and music performances, showcasing Kiribati's rich cultural heritage. The Kiribati National Museum in the city protects historical artifacts and cultural relics to help sustain national identity.
Betio Village
World War II activities at Betio strengthened Kiribati's national identity by demonstrating historical significance and survival abilities. The military artifacts remaining in the village area commemorate its historical significance for the country's cultural heritage.
Bikenibeu Village
Bikenibeu presents traditional I-Kiribati communal life, which showcases essential cultural practices that define the country's national identity. The village organizes traditional events that maintain and honor Kiribati's artistic traditions.
Historical Foundations
Narrative of the Nation’s History
Early Settlement (1300s)
The islands' first residents belonged to Austronesian groups, yet Samoan, Fijian, and Tongan populations later arrived and impacted the region.
European Discovery (1777)
The islands were discovered by British Captain James Cook, after which came whalers and British settlers.
Colonial Period (1888-1979)
British authorities established control over the Gilbert Islands before converting them into a Crown Colony. The local population of Banaba suffered extensive adverse effects from phosphate mining activities.
World War II (1941-1943)
Japan took control of the islands, which triggered intense warfare between Tarawa and Makin.
Independence (1979)
Following independence from UK rule, Kiribati became a Commonwealth republic.
Cultural Evolution
Pre-Colonial Period
The pre-colonial society maintained traditional customs while preserving its community networks through storytelling and dancing as essential cultural practices.
Colonial Influence
When European settlers combined with missionaries brought Christianity and Western customs to the territory, they mixed them with existing native customs.
Post-Independence
The traditional culture receives heightened protection while people work to meet contemporary challenges, including climate change.
Contemporary Era
The population demonstrates cultural resilience by working to keep traditional ways of life going despite environmental threats.
Heritage Moments: Signature Events
Pre-Colonial Settlement and Cultural Evolution
The Austronesian peoples created the first Settlement in Kiribati, while the later Polynesian and Melanesian influences established Kiribati's multicultural heritage. Multiple cultural influences have formed traditional values alongside national traditions throughout Kiribati’s history.
European Discovery and Colonial Era
The European explorers who came after them and British colonial rule introduced Christianity and Western practices that integrated traditional Kiribati customs.
World War II Battles
World War II battles at Tarawa and Makin established Kiribati's national identity by displaying resilience and the Pacific theater's historical significance.
Independence in 1979
Kiribati gained independence in 1979, creating a significant historical milestone because the nation achieved political sovereignty and cultural autonomy in the Commonwealth.
Linguistic and Etymological Roots
Endangered Languages:
The traditional classification of the Kiribati language as endangered does not apply to it. More than 96% of Kiribati’s population regularly speaks this language as their primary communication means. The language faces severe threats because of climate change, which may force people to leave their homes while damaging their cultural heritage.
Etymology:
The local pronunciation of "Gilberts" gave birth to the country's name "Kiribati," which British explorer Captain Thomas Gilbert first used when charting many islands in 1788. The Gilbertese people use their traditional pronunciation to represent the European name for their islands.
According to Kiribati creation mythology Nareau, the spider bestowed the name “Tarawa” to separate it from “karawa” (the sky) and “marawa” (the ocean). The local Gilbertese name Tungaru identifies the Gilbert Islands before their unification with the present Kiribati archipelago.
Language Evolution:
The language plays a central role in I-Kiribati culture because it maintains traditional practices and values by using storytelling to connect with the community. Through language, the I-Kiribati people build strong bonds that connect them as a community. The modern Kiribati language demonstrates its ability to change by accepting European loanwords without losing its traditional cultural elements. National pride in the Kiribati language works to protect cultural heritage and identity, particularly among communities that have dispersed across the globe.
Cultural Identity
Core Values and Symbols:
Respect (Te Karinerine):
Respect is the bedrock of Kiribati culture, as it demands special treatment for older people and authority figures.Community Focus (Te Katei ni Kiribati):
Emphasizes collaboration and collective decision-making.Frigate Bird:
Traditional dances include the Frigate Bird as a symbol of peace and harmony that represents navigation.Maneaba (Traditional Meeting House):
The Maneaba serves as the platform for communal administration and the location of social events.Coconut and Breadfruit Trees:
Essential for sustenance and cultural practices.
Traditional Attire and Cuisine:
Traditional Attire:
Traditional clothing for men in Kiribati consists of the roro, a loincloth produced from hibiscus bark or coconut fiber. When performing dances, members of Kiribati society decorate their bodies with pandanus leaf skirts and shell necklaces.
Women in Kiribati wear the bus, which consists of vibrant-colored grass skirts delicately woven from pandanus leaves. Women wear simple blouses and wraps after dressing in bus grass skirts for formal occasions. Men and women from the island demonstrate their natural relationship through shell jewelry and feather decorations.
Traditional Cuisine:
Due to its oceanic and tropical setting, traditional Kiribati food consists of fish, coconut, and root vegetables such as taro and breadfruit.
Ika Vaka is a traditional Kiribati dish that consists of raw fish marinated in coconut milk and lime juice.
Pulaka is a traditional food made from taro roots, which people typically pair with fish or coconut milk.
Music, Dance, and Sports:
Music:
Traditional Kiribati music features folk musical expressions through vocalization, expressing romantic and nationalistic themes. Contemporary musical productions feature singers who remain seated behind guitars. Conventional musical instruments in Kiribati consist mainly of percussion made by human body movements and wooden percussion boxes. The traditional Kiribati signaling instrument is the conch trumpet. New musical instruments like guitars were adopted into contemporary musical compositions.
Dance:
Stick dances, known as tire, are the main traditional dances of Kiribati. They tell historical legends and semi-historical stories. The three primary dance forms in Kiribati are Te Kaimatoa and Te Buki, together with the hollow wooden box, which serves as a percussion instrument.
Sports:
Youth participants show strong interest in sports such as soccer and volleyball, although these sports are less prevalent than musical and dance traditions. Sailing and fishing form essential aspects of life in traditional Kiribati practice.
Daily Life and Customs:
Societal Norms:
The Maneaba is a traditional meeting house that brings people together for social interactions and community decision-making to maintain unity among its members. Traditional storytelling and dancing are essential in daily Kiribati life because communities perform them throughout ceremonial events. The people of Kiribati value respect and hospitality as fundamental principles requiring genuine greetings and expressions of appreciation in social contexts.
Family Roles:
In Kiribati society, family is prioritized because its members value elder respect and strong community bonds. Women run the household and care for children, while men dedicate their efforts to fishing and community work.
Intangible Heritage:
Oral Traditions:
Creation Myths:
Kiribati's oral traditions contain myths describing how Nareau formed the islands through his divine craftsmanship.Genealogies:
Through oral traditions, Kiribati maintains records of their social group lineages to understand societal rankings and property ownership patterns.Proverbs:
Through the traditional proverb "Te Mauri, te Raoi ao te Tabomoa," the Kiribati people emphasize the importance of life together, peace, and prosperity.“Ko rabwa te Mauri” expresses gratitude for life and blessings.
“Te katei ni Kiribati” emphasizes community and family ties.
“Te raoi ni Kiribati” refers to peace and harmony within the community.
“Te buka ni Kiribati” refers to the resilience and resourcefulness of the I-Kiribati people.
Rituals:
Bwaka ni Buto:
Represents a traditional ceremony that combines dances with gifts for newborns after birth.Community Gatherings (Te Maneaba Ceremonies):
In the traditional meeting house for essential discussions and celebrations. The cultural events and storytelling depend heavily on Te Kaimatoa and Te Buki performances.
Religion and Spirituality
Major Religions
Most of Kiribati's population follows Christianity because 96% of residents identify with this faith. The Roman Catholic Church is the largest religious institution in Kiribati. At the same time, the Kiribati Uniting Church (formerly Kiribati Protestant Church) and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons) occupy second and third positions, respectively.
Bahá’í Faith is a significant non-Christian religion established in the early 20th century. Statistical records show 2-3% religious affiliation, but Bahá’í followers believe their membership extends beyond these numbers.
The population consists of 1% minorities who belong to Seventh-day Adventists, various Christian denominations, and no religious affiliation groups.
Sacred Spaces
Different islands throughout the region use their churches as spiritual centers while providing community facilities for their residents. The facilities organize various activities, including religious ceremonies and cultural celebrations.
Traditional Meeting Houses (Maneaba) serve as communal gathering spaces that occasionally host religious rituals, although they do not belong to any particular religion.
The people of Kiribati revere natural elements such as the ocean and land without established documentation of sacred spaces.
Arts and Literature
Visual and Performing Arts:
Visual Arts:
The people of Kiribati excel at traditional weaving, which involves creating mats, utensils, and decorative objects using coconut leaves and pandanus materials. Master weaver Louisa Humphry, with her expertise, plays a vital role in reviving heritage arts.
The traditional art of protective fabric making through tight knot alignment disappeared when ritual fights became less common.
Performing Arts:
Kiribati dance expressions showcase bird-like postures and include five choreographed dances: Te Bino, Te Kaimatoa, Te Buki, Te Tireeree, and Te Rebe/Te Kabuti. Traditional dances in Kiribati are performed during storytelling presentations and cultural ceremonies.
Traditional music features vocal sounds, body percussion, a wooden box drum, and chanting. Modern performances may include guitars.
The Kairaken Betio Group showcases contemporary dance performances and photography art that addresses social issues, particularly climate change, in modern art forms.
Literature and Folklore:
National Epics:
N/A
Famous Authors:
Emily May Pateman:
Pateman gained fame for documenting Gilbertese traditions and customs and, in 1942, released the first complete book on Kiribati culture, "Aia Karaki nikawai I-Tungaru."Winifred H. Eastman:
Eastman contributed to Gilbertese literature through her publications on geography, childcare, and nature during its early development.
Myths:
Nareau:
According to Kiribati mythology, Nareau represents the highest deity, who fashioned the world and formed the islands.Kaitu and Uakeia:
The oral traditions of Kiribati society frequently mention legendary figures who achieved great conquests and demonstrated exceptional bravery.The Story of Te Kainikamaen:
Traditional dances and storytelling connect with the mythological figure who demonstrates the cultural value of dance in Kiribati society.
Cultural Revivals:
Master weavers Louisa Humphry and Kaetaeta Watson have become leaders in reviving traditional Kiribati weaving. Local materials from New Zealand, including Harakeke, allow these master weavers to adapt traditional techniques to preserve Kiribati's heritage.
Kaetaeta Watson led the revival of traditional armor-making alongside other artists since ritual combat disappeared from Kiribati cultural practices. The initiative works to bring back an artistic element that Kiribati lost in its heritage.
Heritage Preservation Efforts
National Frameworks:
The National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP):
The country addresses biodiversity conservation through the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP) and maintains principles that respect traditional knowledge and practices.
Cultural Policy:
The government of Kiribati established policy measures to protect intangible cultural heritage (ICH) through a framework that follows the UNESCO 2003 Convention standards. The policy requires the development of inventories, safeguarding plans, and protective legislation for cultural expressions.
The country battles against urban growth, global influences, and other risks.
The existing laws and by-laws need reinforcement to protect cultural heritage effectively.
Kiribati is facing significant climate change dangers, including rising sea levels, coastal erosion, and water salinization, which threaten traditional ways of life and cultural heritage sites.
Community Initiatives:
ECHM is an initiative to identify and protect threatened cultural heritage sites, beginning with the Nnabakana stone warriors. Through this initiative, community members gain knowledge about cultural heritage preservation while actively getting involved in its protection.
Traditional cultural preservation efforts within local communities involve maintaining cultural heritage through storytelling activities, dance performances, and traditional craft work. These initiatives work to support cultural identity by resisting external pressures.
Digital Heritage
Archiving Initiatives:
The project involved digitizing ethnographic films from the 1960s, which were then returned to Kiribati to preserve the cultural heritage of Nonouti, Tabiteuea, and Onotoa. The initiative focused on both the preservation of historical footage and the development of local filmmaking abilities.
Kiribati's digital transformation initiatives primarily focus on governance but demonstrate the potential to help cultural archiving through better systems for storing and accessing cultural data.
Community Contributions:
Community members help protect cultural heritage by telling stories and posting images on social media platforms. This informal, community-driven method records cultural heritage and spreads awareness about it.
The "Heritage Matters" project holds workshops and organizes community consultations that allow residents to examine how museums can use sustainability principles for development alongside cultural preservation.
Contemporary Cultural Influences
Diaspora Contributions:
The cultural heritage of the I-Kiribati people remains alive because those who live outside Kiribati continue performing their traditional dances and playing their music. The diaspora members develop traditional practices by integrating elements from their host countries, which creates distinctive cultural combinations.
Pop Culture Impact:
Modern Kiribati media productions and performances draw inspiration from traditional Kiribati dances and music. The bird-like dance movements in Kiribati dances inspire contemporary choreography.
Environmental and Cultural Synergy:
Kiribati residents practice cultural traditions that harmonize humans with their natural environment. Through projects like the Phoenix Islands Protected Area (PIPA), cultural beliefs show their ability to combine natural conservation efforts with the protection of cultural heritage.
Traditional knowledge regarding sustainable fishing practices and land management methods helps maintain ecological balance. For Kiribati to sustain itself long-term, it needs the combined power of cultural protection and environmental stewardship.
Success Stories
Community-Led Projects:
The Endangered Cultural Heritage Mapping (ECHM) Project developed a system to map endangered cultural heritage sites, including the Nnabakana (stone warriors) on Tabiteuea Island. The program trained residents to map cultural heritage sites and educated them about the importance of heritage site protection.
The Kiribati Community Group in Auckland dedicates itself to sustaining Kiribati cultural traditions and native language within the New Zealand Kiribati diaspora population. The organization runs traditional cultural events while teaching members native crafts like weaving and dancing costume production.
Hero Stories:
Louisa Humphry:
Louisa is an essential member of the Kiribati Community Group, which operates within Auckland. Through her work, she has been vital in protecting cultural traditions, including weaving techniques and making dance apparel. Her work preserves cultural heritage, which supports the retention of Kiribati's identity among immigrants in New Zealand.
Tatau Takaria:
Through his role as an ECHM project informant, Tatau Takaria provided essential knowledge that helped preserve the oral traditions of Nnabakana in Tabiteuea.