Raymond Sagapolutele New Zealand | Samoa, b. 1971
Le Lagi Tuatasi / The First Heaven, 2023
Digital C-Type print
21 5/8 x 21 5/8 in
55 x 55 cm
55 x 55 cm
Edition of 3 plus 2 artist's proofs
Inspired by the words in the first line of our salutations to the nine heavens of Tagaloa, chanted in ancient times as part of the funeral rites of a Samoan...
Inspired by the words in the first line of our salutations to the nine heavens of Tagaloa, chanted in ancient times as part of the funeral rites of a Samoan chief.
Tulouna le lagi tuatasi! Tulouna le pogisa ma le leai!
Salutations to the first heaven! Salutations to the darkness and the void!
“Funeral rites and chants provide a pathway for contemplation on the journey of life emphasised at the death ritual. The nine messages are as applicable to life as to death.” – Tui Atua Tupua Tamasese Ta’isi Efi.
Tulouna le lagi tuatasi! Tulouna le pogisa ma le leai!
Salutations to the first heaven! Salutations to the darkness and the void!
“Funeral rites and chants provide a pathway for contemplation on the journey of life emphasised at the death ritual. The nine messages are as applicable to life as to death.” – Tui Atua Tupua Tamasese Ta’isi Efi.
