Te fou

human history

Te fou. Headband. This ornamental fou is flat woven in a 4-ply faka sigano (zigzag) technique from lau fala (pandanus leaves) into a circular band to fit a person's head. The fou is lined along the exterior with a long strip of lau kie (peeled and coloured pandanus leaf) that has been dyed red in colour and sewn to the band. A single row of pule (cowrie shells) is sewn on top of this dyed fibre with a flower motif made of pule shells acting as a decorative accent. This fou was given as a farewell gift to the donors in the 1970s.

Accession number: 1987.78 Last Update: 2 Dec 2019
Other Name

Te fau (Tuvaluan)

Headband (English)

Place
Nanumea/Tuvalu
Accession Number

1987.78

Accession Date

28 Apr 1987

Other Id

52418 (ethnology)

Department

Pacific

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