item details
NameTongan White Sunday celebrations, Free Church of Tonga, Mangere, Auckland. Kalo Foleva
ProductionGlenn Jowitt; photographer; 2000; Auckland
Classificationcolour photographs, inkjet prints, works of art, documentary photographs, portraits
Materialsink, paper
Materials Summarycolour photograph, inkjet print
Techniquescolour photography
DimensionsImage: 478mm (width), 322mm (height)
Registration NumberO.041138
Credit linePurchased 2012
Overview
Here, Glenn Jowitt captures a moment of stillness during Sepitema, or Tongan White Sunday. On this weekend in September, particular women are honoured for their work in their church and community.
The celebration begins with a minister calling out the name of each woman as they stand up briefly for all to see. After the service, the women enjoy a feast prepared by the men.
Jowitt was careful to take his photographs ‘without disturbing anybody’. He’d ask the minister to let people know ‘that Glenn’s here to take pictures and please try and ignore him. And I would know that I didn’t pass between the minister and the congregation.’