Kafalauulu

human history

Kafalauulu. Girdle of plaited human hair. This kafalauulu was made to be worn by a person or warrior of high rank. Such kafalauulu would have been made by skilful woman known for their craft. The lau ulu (human hair) would have been acquired through close relatives to that of the wearer. It is also said that such kafalauulu could store maka (sling stones) for combat and other weapons. The length of the kafa (girdle) would refer to the wearer’s accomplishments. Today, the kafalauulu is not made any more. This particular kafalauulu has been made from dark brown lau ulu and gathered in two sections by coiled off-white string. Each braid is long in length, showing fibrous ends in some areas and has become loose and separated. The braids are extremely fine portraying the skilfulness of the maker and their attention to each individual strand of lau ulu.

Last Update: 24 Sept 2019
Other Name

kafa (Niuean)

Girdle of plaited human hair (English)

Place
Niue
Accession Date

1924

Other Id

14736 (ethnology)

M14 (Edge-Partington)

Department

Pacific

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