Tagapila

human history

Tagapila. Embroidered cushion cover. When Americans were based in Uvea during World War II, the nuns taught the locals embroidery. In the 1980s and 1990s it became very popular. Embroidered textiles were often made as gifts for weddings, funerals, and births. This tagapila is square in shape and features four red kaute (hibiscus) flowers. The stamens of the kaute point inwards towards the centre, indicating that this tagapila is from Uvea. Tagapila with flowers pointing outwards are from Futuna.

Accession number: 1996.201.8 Last Update: 3 Aug 2026
Other Name

Cushion cover (English)

Place
Mua/Ovea/Wallis and Futuna
Accession Number

1996.201.8

Accession Date

12 Dec 1996

Other Id

55205 (ethnology)

Department

Pacific

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Tagapila, 1996.201.8, 55205, Cultural Permissions Apply
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