waist garment

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 or in villages. However, kiekie can be made from a combination of synthetic and natural materials, or entirely from synthetic material. This kiekie is made from woven strips of lo'akau (pandanus). The waistband is woven and the strips are wider and are attached along the length of the waistband. The waistband and each woven strip is lined with navy blue cotton. This kiekie is similar to the kiekie that school children wear, each school has a different colour and the lining changes depending on the school.

Accession number: 1981.41 Last Update: 8 Sept 2023
Other Name

kiekie (Tongan)

Place
Tonga/Pacific
Accession Number

1981.41

Accession Date

29 Jan 1981

Other Id

49056 (ethnology)

Department

Pacific

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