Tongan Classes Celebrate Their Culture:

It's end of term and students  in the Tongan classes at Liahona are being judged on their craft projects and dances.  Sione Tafuna, principal of Liahona High School, demonstrates that up to 6 sticks from the Tongan broom could be used to discipline students once upon a time.  Brooms are made from the ribs of  coconut tree fronds.Short brooms are for indoors, and....Long brooms are used for sweeping outdoors.  They are attached to the pandana stick with a bicycle inner tube.  Works well!Wooden Tongan head rest/pillow (center) and map of Tongatapu: Ta'ovala, a woven waist mat, is worn by men and women as a sign of respect Kiekie (kee-eh-kee'eh) is a handmade elegant work of art worn by women over a long skirt:Fans for the hot summer daysTalking chiefs are men who represent others in ceremonies.  This talking stick would be for the village noble or talking chief who speaks for the king in each village.  This Liahona student carved the stick: An octopus lure: (President Monson tells the story)Handwoven basket and hair pins: Elder Hawley and I enjoyed the students performing Tongan their dances at Liahona.  Stunning costumes are handmade.  The girls lavish their arms, legs, and hands with a generous amount of coconut oil before performing.  Tapa cloth dress pounded from mulberry leaves:

Vika, the Liahona Middle School principal is a delightful, beautiful dancer! 

 These guys are good!  These beautiful girls were featured in the Tongan Chronicle.  The fresh leaves are smoothed with coconut oil to make them glisten! Creativity at its best!