Polynesian (Samoa) Dance and Fire knife (Contact for Price and availability)

Samoan Fire Dancing and Culture or Kap Te’o Tafiti.

The fire knife is a well known traditional Polynesian (Samoan) cultural specific prop used by various ceremonial dancers.

Originally it was created by machete wrapped in tissue or towels on the ends.

Performers from different tribes used this specific fire dancing knife also called Siva Afi and “Ailao Afi” in Samoan language, Dancers are dancing with twirling knife also doing different tricks and acrobatic stunts.

Tissue or towels was set on fire during performance.

Dance called Siva Afi originally used special Nifo Oti danced by Samoan war club. This is quite dangerous technique because steel heats up a lot.

At the moment dance fire knife start itself from the ancient Polynesian (Samoan) exhibition often called “Ailao”. This is specific Samoan warrior’s dance with different tricks, throwing and catching and dancing with a fire knife. This specific dance however can be performed with any fire knife, before it was common practic when women would dance as well, especially if thy were daughters of a tribe chief.

Night dancers also played with fire knife during their night dances. Before metal was known in Polynesia, dancers used specal clubs called “Anava” heilroom clubs.

“Anava” was specifically carved with details of unique Samoan weapon called “Nifo’oti”

When commercial vessels began to trade and travel to Samoa, whalers from Europe and from United states and Canada introduced native Samoa people to blubber knife and to hooked knife.

Samoan culture incorporated this elements into their wood carved nifo’oti with hooked element made from wood or sometimes made from steel. Nifo’oti in Samoan means “dead tooth”

Traditional competitions in Samoan fire knife are very popular now attracting participants from all over the world.

However this is quite a traumatical and risky dance, but contestants rarely asking for medical help with injuries related to their fire dance.

At Polynesian cultural center modern competitions are held every year. Competition called World Fireknife Champion.
Started in 1992 competition always held in May (third week of May).

Starting in 2007 competition expanded and now welcomes contestants with duo category and also in woman category.

As of 2010 championship are held four nights with three top performers as a final competition.

Here is a list of Champions by year starting from 1993 :

2017: Falaniko Penesa from Samoa

2016: Mikaele Oloa from Waialua, Hawaii

2015: Joseph Cadousteau from Papeete, Tahiti

2014: Viavia Tiumalu,Jr. from Orlando,Florida

2013: Joseph Cadousteau from Papeete, Tahiti

2012: Joseph Cadousteau from Papeete, Tahiti

2011: Viavia Tiumalu, Jr. from Orlando, Florida

2010: Mikaele Oloa from Waialua, Hawaii

2009: Mikaele Oloa from Waialua, Hawaii

2008: Viavia Tiumalu, Jr. from Orlando, Florida

2007: Andrew “Umi” Sexton from Orlando, Florida

2006: Mikaele Oloa from Orlando, Florida

2005: Mikaele Oloa from Orlando, Florida

2004: Alex Galeai from Laie, Hawaii

2003: David Galeai from Cook Islands

2002: Pati Levasa from Samoa

2001: Pati Levasa from Samoa

2000: David Galeai from Cook Islands

1999: David Galeai from Cook Islands

1998: Pati Levasa from Samoa

1997: Pati Levasa from Samoa

1996: Ifi Soo from Maui, Hawaii

1995: Ifi Soo from Maui, Hawaii

1994: Ifi Soo from Maui, Hawaii

1993: Tauasa Sielu Avea from Laie, Hawaii