ABSTRACT
The visits of Pacific Islanders from one island to another have always been important occasions. Though their purposes varied from island to island, they were often celebrated with performances of music and dance and presentations of gifts to hosts and guests. Whether given as necessities (as to the overlords of the "Tongan Empire" to keep peace, or to inhabitants of the high islands of the "Yap Empire" to ensure help to outlying atolls after devastating storms), as an adjunct to trading expeditions (as the kula ring of southeast New Guinea), or simply to visit (as the malaga o f Samoan villagers), exchanges of music, dance, and objects were important cultural events. C l o t h i n g and performance spaces were important for the presentation o f music, dance, and oratory. These visits were occasions for islanders to learn from each other. From these encounters, music, dance, costumes, and other artistic motifs were disseminated among cultures.
