WM2-001k - A Bit Na Ta - Gitgitvudu Rabuana_Women Dance_Women Babat_Pearson Vetuna

In the Matamatam cycle, after he clan graves and erected clan monument dedicated and 'Vapuak' completed, the 'Paluka' ceremony continues involving both men and women dancing with the aim to celebrate the erection of the cement monuments with food. The food prepared and consumed is specifically cooked taro and cooked fish that is sweetened by a cooked coconut oil concentrate called a 'Ku'only eaten on special occasions. The GitGit Vudu ceremony then continues where bamboo beds constructed in a conical or pyramid structure where whole bunches of bananas are placed. This 'Matamatam' aspect involves dancing and sharing pork and a special type of banana called 'tukuru' - a short fat banana with a grey colouring. It is a cooking banana with a dry texture. Its skin turns bright orange when it is ripe. It is not normally eaten raw. The Kuanua word for banana is 'vudu' The male and female dances performed during a GitGit Vudu is called 'Ura Bitina' or Two 'ura' sources 'bitina' because they carry the clan’s genealogical information. Sources: Gideon Kakabin "A Kinavai" article at PNGAA Library. https://www.pngaa.net/Library/Kinavai.htm (David Bridie & Steven Gagau, April 2025). Language as given: