3 - Funeral and mourning as musical occasions

Summary

For Tikopia a death generates much musical activity. In terms sometimes used in anthropology, Tikopia attitudes to death may be described as ceremonial rather than ritual, in that the emphasis is on formal behaviour patterns rather than on observances governed primarily by mystical beliefs (cf. Firth, 1956: 46). A person who has died is given respect as the centre of funeral activities, in proportion to his or her rank or status. But unlike much western or Muslim practice, for instance, Tikopia custom is not to observe any special silence or quiet behaviour in the presence of the dead. Solemnity of demeanour is common, and a smile rather than laughter is regarded as seemly, while often real sorrow is apparent. But conversation around the corpse may be carried on in normal tones. Indeed, noise may be obligatory, as in the gunfire or more traditional percussion that signalised the death of a chief, and the continued wailing and singing of dirges that goes on in the period before the corpse is buried, and at intervals for some time thereafter.

In strong contrast to Maori and some other Oceanic peoples, though the spirit of the dead person is believed to be around for several days after the death and must be treated with precaution, the Tikopia show no fear of a corpse as such. They express no idea that a corpse may be polluting and have no taboos about the dead. Hence there are no rites of purification after handling a corpse or taking part in a funeral.