'Afa mamanu

human history

'Afa mamanu. Coil of sennit. This is a bundle of 'afa (sennit). The matofi (raw husk material) has been rolled upon the makers thigh then fili (braided) into an 'afa. The maker has used a fili tolu (three-ply braid) to create the 'afa. The matofi is of a light brown colour, fibrous but refined to the braided form. The colour of the matofi suggests it may have been treated by soaking and exposure to the sun. This 'afa mamanu is held together by a separate length of 'afa which is thinner in comparison. '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

41208 (ethnology)

Department

Pacific

Enquire API view
6 Images
fibre, 1969.94, 41208, Cultural Permissions Apply Cultural Permissions Apply
View gallery ( 6)