ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on three public texts: Tonga's national anthem, Australia's national anthem, and the so-called Davidic covenant. Tonga's national anthem is a prayer for the safeguard of Tupou, the ruling family. Tonga's national anthem is a religious song, a Christian creation that forgets the pre-Christian religions of the island group. The Otua māfimafi implored in this song/prayer is the Christian God, upon whom Tonga depends. Religious and cultural traditions depend, for their survival, on stories and songs. The langitu'a is a group of men and women who stand behind each performance, to sing and keep the rhythm, and empower performers to interpret the composition through their bodies and gestures, giving it meaning, energy and mana. Aboriginal Songlines identify landmarks, such as mountains and waterholes, which the singer, storyteller, performer or reader of art will locate in the process of singing, telling, performing or appreciating artwork. The chapter considers Australian Aboriginal artworks where womenfolk are drawn with digging sticks.
