For the 10,000 people of Tuvalu, who live on limited land no more than 15 feet above sea level, climate change is more than just about its science – the rising sea levels, warming temperatures, changing tropical cyclone patterns, or ocean acidification. It’s also, and perhaps more importantly, about culture and art – its island identities and societies comprising the “land of eight traditions”, including its powerful songs, beautiful dances, and intricately woven mats and fans that may be lost or changed because of climate change.
- Edgar Degas
On 7th July 2015, an art exhibit, a first of its kind, on climate change was hosted in Funafuti, through the GEF financed National Adaptation Programme of Action (NAPA I and II) and Ridge to Reef projects that are implemented in partnership between the Government of Tuvalu and UNDP. A wide range of traditional and contemporary local artists contributed their artwork – all recording in their unique ways the richness of life in Tuvalu and the relationship between the environment and culture.
What are the things in life that you value most as a Tuvaluan that you would like to share with the world? What shapes your identity as a Tuvaluan? What are your hopes and fears for the future of Tuvalu? And what do you want to pass on to the next generation of Tuvaluans?
Nine Tuvaluan artists were challenged to explore these questions through art. Below are selection of art work and discussions generated through this reflective process.
“Togala, or the West, is where the Sun sets in Tuvalu. Togala is also where strong winds come. Strong winds in fierce, storms surges spring forth to destroy homes, livelihoods and drown the land. Bebe, Ofa, Kina…. and Pam! Or Bam! All cyclones in the past that have challenged the islands of Tuvalu from the West.
Togala, from the west, daylight ceases and night falls. Togala, which also means“falling,” as the sun fades into the horizon.
Don’t let it fall. Evoke Tuvalu and hark back to all that is to it. To all that made you call yourself a Tuvaluan.”
Te titi tao is a traditional Tuvalu skirt placed upon another skirt, titi kaulama when performing the Fatele. Fatele is similar to the I-Kiribati word Patere and Tokelau fatele which all refer to a form of traditional dance. The vibrant colours of the titi compliment and complete a female dancer. The colours represent the diversities of life being woven together.
The titi is made of pandanus leaves, collected, pealed, dried and dyed using tongo (Rhizophora spp) and nonu (Morinda citrifolia) under the sun for many months. The art of making a titi tao is passed down from Fafinematua (elder woman) to the Tamaliki Fafine (young girls) awaiting for their first Fatele.
The Fatele is a central part of island life in Tuvalu - it is a gathering for celebration, harmony, and unity. It’s about being present in the moment together. And together here and now, we are Tuvaluans.
Te fou ote tamafine means the garland of a young woman. Fou (garland or flower crown) is an important feature of traditional wear. It is made of flowers and leaves woven together in a pattern. The colours represents the diverse but limited flowering plants of Tuvalu.
There is common saying in Tuvalu “tou fou ne filigina ki muna mo pati tapu ote fale” meaning your garland was made from the wisdom of your home. A mother makes a fou from tiale (gardenia), pua (guattarda), and melia (frangipani), wishing her daughter beauty and courage for her journey. A young girl’s life is symbolized by the pula (flowers) of the fou that she wears throughout her life - it’s her identity and hopes for the future as a Tuvaluan woman.
Kope ote olaga (possessions of life) is a display of the various artefacts of Tuvalu culture, which forged the lives on the sparsely grouped islands of Tuvalu. Each artefacts symbolizes knowledge, hardship, and survival.
Kolokolo (string) is essential for making fishing nets and traps, cutting toddy (sweets made of coconut sap), building canoes, and tying down the beams and roofs of homes. Kolokolo is made by elder men who roll dry coconut husk on their knees. The craft is handed down from father to son.
Kope ote olaga are passed down and modified through generations to ensure they are equipped with the tools and values essential to Tuvalu’s island life - so that the culture and identity of Tuvalu are carved within the minds of the next generation.
The dark omen! Tides of change with binary fusion influencing culture. Tuvalu way of living is changing and changing rapidly…and might disappear forever!
But our ancestors have taught us to fish even in the darkest nights. We will follow the light lid by the culture and identity of Tuvalu.
The Art of Tuvalu is colourful, peaceful, and powerful. It represents their identities rooted in their islands that have been carefully passed down from generations to generations until today.
At the forefront of climate change, Tuvalu is fighting to keep this rich culture, which goes beyond the number and science negotiated at the international forums.
It is for our unique culture and identity that we want the world to remember before the sun sets. But moreover, what we hope most for is for many more sunsests to come.
© 2026 Shoko Takemoto
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