 Niue national rugby league team performing Takalo before one of their test matches | |
| Genre | War dance |
|---|---|
| Origin | Niue |
The takalo is a Niuean war dance. Performed by an individual warrior or group of warriors, the dance is a formal challenge, [1] [2] and was traditionally performed prior to engaging the enemy with traditional war clubs.
In modern times, the takalo is often performed prior to a rugby game or winning a game of some sport code. The takalo is also performed to welcome dignitaries upon arrival into Niue, [3] and signifies that the dignitaries' arrival is for the purpose of peace and harmony.
