Tag Archives: samoa

hawaii-fire-knife-performer

Fire and Knives

From the island of Samoa, Hawaiians have adopted and adapted the Siva Afi–knife dance–and ailao–warrior’s demonstration. Here a luau performer in Hawaii simultaneously spins two knives on fire. For the obvious reasons of possible death and dismemberment, this performance is always a hit and often the most popular part of any luau.

Learning this skill takes years of practice, sometimes painful and bloody. It demonstrates prowess and agility to intimidate would-be attackers and modern day theater attenders alike.