ornament

human history

Vesa. Anklet/bracelet. This vesa is part of a set of five which would have made up a teunga faiva (dance attire) from Kolofo'ou village in Tonga. Each village in Tonga has their own regional dance/s and dance attire that is specific to them that they perform at national gatherings and celebrations. These costumes often utilise the natural resources that are popular and significant to their villages. It is made up of alternating red dyed and natural coloured vana (circular rosettes) which are sewed onto a cotton band. Vana are made from fau (hibiscus fibre) it is cut into strips (the length will determine the circumference of the vana). It is tied in the middle and the fibres spread out split into smaller strips and out into a circular shape. It is then hammered to keep its shape and flattened under something heavy. It is named after sea urchins called vana.

Accession number: 1976.137 Last Update: 31 Mar 2023
Other Name

vesa (Tongan)

Place
Tonga/Pacific
Associated Place

Tonga/Pacific

Accession Number

1976.137

Accession Date

17 Aug 1976

Other Id

47775.1 (ethnology)

Department

Pacific

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