$5 Adults
FREE for children and youth (ages 0–18)
Buy tickets in advance here
Join the UMFA for an all-day celebration of Tatau: Marks of Polynesia. The Museum is excited to share the legacy of tatau with our community. Come engage with this beautiful collection of photographs and learn about a thriving cultural tradition. The UMFA, along with a group of community partners, worked together to create a fun celebration honoring this meaningful exhibition. Enjoy food, watch dance performances, and see the art on view in the galleries. We hope you see you there!
- ‘Ava ceremony | 11 am–12 pm | G.W. Anderson Family Great Hall
- Tatau: Marks of Polynesia open for viewing after the 'ava ceremony
- Tatau demonstration | 1 pm | Katherine W. and Ezekiel R. Dumke Jr. Auditorium
- Polynesian dance performances | 12:30- 3 pm | G.W. Anderson Family Great Hall
- Food trucks | Starting at 12 pm | Outside the UMFA
- Art-Making Activity | 12–4 pm | Emma Eccles Education Classroom
‘Ava ceremony | 11 am–12 pm | G.W. Anderson Family Great Hall
To open the exhibition the UMFA will invite leaders from the Samoan community and the Sulu’ape family into an ‘ava ceremony. The ‘ava ceremony is a sacred custom in Samoa used for opening important events, like a meeting of chiefs or the welcoming of visitors. After the ceremony, the gallery will open for visitors to view the exhibition.
During the ‘ava ceremony, we ask that visitors refrain from talking or making noise. As the seating is important in this tradition it’s critical that visitors stay in the designated areas away from the sacred space. As always, please refrain from flash photography at the UMFA.
Tatau demonstration | Katherine W. and Ezekiel R. Dumke Jr. Auditorium
Please respect this space and recognize that for many people this process can be an emotional experience and time to reflect on the history of the tradition and their people.
Polynesian dance performances | G.W. Anderson Family Great Hall
Dance is often performed as an accompaniment to oral storytelling traditions. Like Tatau, dances across Polynesia were also outlawed by missionaries who labeled them immoral. Thankfully today they, too, represent a thriving living tradition. Witness the resiliency of these beautiful traditions.
Food trucks| Outside the UMFA | 12-3 pm
Try food from across Polynesia with food trucks. Outdoor seating is available in the Sam and Diane Stewart Family Foundation Sculpture Terrace.
Art-Making Activity | Emma Eccles Education Classroom | 12–4 pm
Learn about tapa cloth and pattern art by making your own on craft paper. This art activity is open to all ages.