Waist ornament

human history

Kiekie. Waist ornament. Kiekie are waist ornaments which are worn by females in Tonga as part of their formal wear. They are also worn by school girls and boys in Tonga as part of their school uniform. Kiekie are traditionally made from natural materials which are sourced locally in Tonga or in villages. However, kiekie can be made from a combination of synthetic and natural materials, or entirely from synthetic material. This kiekie is made from fau (hibiscus) fibres. The waistband is woven from plaited fau strands and the ties are plaited. Hanging along the length of the waistband are strips of flat fau rosettes. The rosettes are made by wrapping the tape around a nailed board, in a particular pattern to make the circular flat rosettes.

Accession number: 2004.78.31 Last Update: 20 Aug 2021
Other Name

kiekie (Tongan)

Accession Number

2004.78.31

Accession Date

04 Aug 2004

Other Id

56189 (ethnology)

Department

Pacific

Enquire API view
8 Images
Waist ornament, 2004.78.31, 56189, Cultural Permissions Apply Cultural Permissions Apply
View gallery ( 8)