Much of the tradition is secret, and passed down through the generations through the initiated men. Traditional life is an ongoing cycle of ritual, with every stage of an individual's life celebrated, from birth, initiation, marriage and death. Male initiation is very important and every man goes through several grades of initiation to reach true manhood, with tests and celebrations at each stage. Songs and dances are integral to this cycle of life celebration and are performed according to ancestral rules and traditions.
Celebrations feature elaborate costumes, large masks, tree carvings and even stone carvings.
Some areas have special dance grounds, with special places for preparation of animals for the feasting. In traditional ways, pigs are a measure of wealth and their curved tusks are highly prized and used in celebrations and as recompense for breaking tribal custom and laws. Artwork is for both practical and traditional use. Women weave baskets of different sizes and shapes and mats for everyday living, but also weave special, finely woven mats for weddings and other functions. The mats are distinctive in the Pacific because they are long, narrow and dyed different colours.