Te ili

human history

Te ili. Fan. This ili is created with synthetic raffia material of multiple colours wrapped and plaited over a framework of tuaaniu (coconut midrib). Red and yellow raffia is visible at the very centre of the blade. The design and manufacture of this ili appears to have a heavy Micronesian influence. The handle is also made from tuaaniu encased in pink and green raffia woven in a bold twill pattern. The edges of the blade are finished with flat pieces of lau kie (peeled and coloured pandanus leaves) dyed in red, black, and white, attached in an alternating colour pattern.

Accession number: 2001.12.10 Last Update: 1 Sept 2026
Other Name

Fan (English)

Place
Tuvalu
Accession Number

2001.12.10

Accession Date

13 Jul 2001

Other Id

55837 (ethnology)

Department

Pacific

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Te ili, 2001.12.10, 55837, Cultural Permissions Apply Cultural Permissions Apply
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