Waist ornament

human history

Kafa. Girdle. Kafa is coconut sennit cordage which has many uses in Tonga. It can be used to lash fale (houses), vaka (canoes), or any two ,materials together in lieu of nails. Kafa can also function as a girdle to tie and hold up ta'ovala (waistmat). This kafa is a decorative kind which is layered on top of the kafa that is used to secure the ta'ovala. This kafa is made from plaited pulu'i niu (coconut husk) that has been coiled and glued onto a cotton base. Within the coil, pule (cowrie) shell rosettes are glued down along the length. At each end there is Velcro secures in order to attach it together quick and easy.

Accession number: 2004.78.34 Last Update: 20 Aug 2021
Other Name

kiekie (Tongan)

Accession Number

2004.78.34

Accession Date

04 Aug 2004

Other Id

56192 (ethnology)

Department

Pacific

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