Kiekie

human history

Kiekie. Waist ornament. Kiekie are waist ornaments which are worn by females in Tonga as part of their formal wear. They are also worn by school girls and boys in Tonga as part of their school uniform. Kiekie are traditionally made from natural materials which are sourced locally in Tonga's villages. However, kiekie can be made from a combination of synthetic and natural materials, or entirely from synthetic material. This kiekie is made from fau (hibiscus fibre) as well as Lopa (red sandalwood) and hana (Job's tears) seeds. The waistband is plaited from strips of fau, hanging along the length of the waistband are strips of fau with hana and Lopa seeds strung onto it, the bottom of each strip has alternating red or black dyed fau bows.

Accession number: 1931.252 Last Update: 8 Sept 2023
Other Name

fakapale (Tongan)

Waist ornament (English)

Place
Tonga/Pacific
Accession Number

1931.252

Accession Date

1931

Other Id

16372 (ethnology)

Department

Pacific

Enquire API view
5 Images
waist garment, 1931.252, 16372, Cultural Permissions Apply Cultural Permissions Apply
View gallery ( 5)