'Afa mamanu

human history

'Afa mamanu. Coil of sennit. This is a rolled bundle of 'afa mamanu. The matofi (raw husk material) has been rolled upon the makers thigh then fili (braided) into 'afa mamanu. The maker has produced a fili tolu (three-ply braid) of 'afa mamanu. The matofi is of a light and soft brown colour, fibrous but refined to the braided form. Its light colouring suggests that the matofi may have been treated by soaking and exposure to the sun. 'Afa mamanu would normally be made by men, or done as a group activity by men. 'Afa mamanu can be used in lieu of nails when building a fale (Samoan house) or va'a (canoes).

Accession number: 1969.94 Last Update: 18 Dec 2025
Other Name

Coil of sennit (English)

Place
Samoa/Pacific
Accession Number

1969.94

Accession Date

24 Apr 1969

Other Id

41203 (ethnology)

Department

Pacific

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