Te ili

human history

Ili. Fan. This is an ili made of tuaaniu (coconut midrib), laukie (soft pandanus), kaumoe (immature coconut leaf) and fulu kaleva (kaleva feathers). The tuaaniu is braided to form the spine of the blade as well as the handle. The handle is cylindrical in shape encased in lalaga (woven) laukie. The handle then flares to incorporate an oval shaped blade. The tuaaniu used to make the blade is tightly lashed using kaumoe, that also doubles as a decorative feature. The blade is bordered with a row of white fulu kaleva. The blade is also adorned with a decorative border made of dark brown laukie. As in many parts of the Pacific, ili are used to keep cool in hot weather or presented as gifts to visitors, friends and family.

Accession number: 1944.15 Last Update: 1 Sept 2026
Other Name

Fan (English)

Accession Number

1944.15

Accession Date

1944

Other Id

27045.2 (ethnology)

Department

Pacific

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Te ili, 1944.15, 27045.2, Cultural Permissions Apply Cultural Permissions Apply
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