'Ato fa’a Tānoa

human history

'Ato fa’a Tānoa. Woven bowl. This is a handwoven tānoa (bowl) made entirely from lau niu (coconut palm leaf). It is circular in shape, low in height and wide in diameter. The base portrays similar lalaga (weave) to that of the centre of pulou (hats). The exterior of the base shows where the tuāniu (midrib) has been split and the pinnules of the lau niu woven together to form both the depth and base of the 'ato fa'a Tānoa. An off-white piece of cotton cordage appears to have been used in fastening the tuāniu to form the circular base together. This particular 'ato fa'a tānoa shows the advanced skill of the weaver.

Accession number: 2002.112.1 Last Update: 18 Dec 2025
Other Name

Woven bowl (English)

Accession Number

2002.112.1

Accession Date

20 Nov 2002

Other Id

55966 (ethnology)

Department

Pacific

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