Adorn

Throughout the Pacific hair has long been important — not only expressing the owner's youth and beauty but often signifying status, sexual power and family history. This excerpt from documentary Adorn explores the wearing of elaborate head pieces in Samoa, Hawaii and Tahiti, and the so-called Virgin Locks once worn by young Fijian females. Anything associated with the head is considered sacred. Adorn offers a vibrant collection of Pacific womens' stories, as academics and others explain cultural traditions around hair, and share their experiences of embracing, or fighting their own locks. 

Beware the power of your hair, and beware the flaunting of it, lest the fury of the Telesa is invoked.

– Yolande Ah Chong retells the Samoan legend of Telesa, warning young women not to brush their hair at night

Key Cast & Crew

Twayne Laumua

Editor, Camera Operator

Rosanna Raymond

Subject

Mario Faumui

Assistant Director, Camera Operator

Dazz Lombard

Editor

Matt Aickin

Sound

Lisa Taouma

Director, Producer