Te kete faofaoga

human history

Te kete faofaoga, or kete malaga. Dowry basket, or feasting basket. Kaumoe (young coconut leaves) are cut, dried in the sun for a period of time, then woven in a fakasala (twill) technique to create this kete faofaoga. Processing the kaumoe in this way increases its durability. Dyed red and purple strips of lau kie (peeled and coloured pandanus leaves) have been hand sewn all along the top rim of this kete faofaoga with cotton twine.

A kete faofaoga is culturally significant, as well as labour intensive. They can be created by women for their daughters when they marry and are taken to live with the husband's family. Significant items are loaded into the kete faofaoga and symbolise everything that the daughter has learned in her formative years; that she is well prepared for married life. Often, a vene (carrying strap) might be used to secure the kete faofaoga to the body as this journey is made.

In Nanumea, a kete faofaoga can also be used to carry food for feasts.

Accession number: 1951.204.16 Last Update: 1 Sept 2026
Other Name

Te kete malaga (Tuvaluan)

Dowry basket (English)

Basket used when travelling or for carrying loads (English)

Place
Vaitupu/Tuvalu
Accession Number

1951.204.16

Accession Date

23 Dec 1951

Other Id

32530 (ethnology)

Department

Pacific

Enquire API view
16 Images
Te kete faofaoga, 1951.204.16, 32530, Cultural Permissions Apply Cultural Permissions Apply
View gallery ( 16)