Taulua

human history

Taulua. Water carrier. This taulua is made of two popo (coconut shell) held by two baskets made of 'afa (sennit cord). These baskets are then connected with one cord. The 'afa has been braided tightly to secure the two popo using a filifā (four-ply braid) technique. Both the popo are smooth and both their functional pores have been enlarged in order for them to be easily filled with water. On one of the popo is a small rectangular sticker which has yellowed with age. Bordered with blue, the sticker has [Rei] written on it. The 'afa which connects the two baskets is knotted in the middle. This knot has further been wrapped in wire which has rusted over time. Attached to the wire is a small piece of thick card, which could be the remnants of an old tag or label. The word taulua can be translated in two parts. The word tau refers to the connection between the niu via the 'afa. While the word lua (two) refers to the two niu that are connected. Therefore the second half of the word, taulua, can change according to the number of niu that are connected. For example if one niu was used the taulua would become a tautasi, tasi meaning one. Taulua were used mostly by women and children to collect drinking water from local taufa (water source).

Last Update: 14 Sept 2023
Other Name

Water carrier (English)

Place
Samoa/Pacific
Accession Date

1916

Other Id

13017 (ethnology)

Department

Pacific

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carrier, water, 13017, Photographed 13 Mar 2019, Cultural Permissions Apply Cultural Permissions Apply
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