'Ie

'Ie. Kilt. This is a handwoven 'ie. This 'ie is made of short individual strips of fau (type of hibiscus) that have been sewn onto a piece of siapo (bark cloth). The siapo is large enough to be wrapped around the waist of an individual and is a plain beige colour. Short strips of fau are sewn to the siapo in lines to create a shaggy appearance. The fau has also been dyed purple, pink and green, These are then sewn in colour blocks, creating a checkerboard pattern. The fau strips are folded once before being sewn to the siapo, giving the individual fau strips are ribbon like appearance. The 'ie would have been held up by a cord tied around the waist. The upper edge of the 'ie would then fold over the cord to conceal it. Traditionally an 'ie such as this would have been worn as clothing. Today however they are worn during a performance, particularly by the taupou (village maiden).

Other Name

Kilt (English)

Place

Unknown

Accession Number

1929.303

Accession Date

1929

Other Id

4344 (ethnology)

Department

Pacific