'Ato

'Ato. Basket. This is a handwoven 'ato. It has been woven to portray a short, cubed form. Previously there was an 'au (handle) attached, however this has become separated over time. Lau paogo (coarse pandanus material) has been used to lalaga (weave) the interior and produce the base in strengthening its form. The same material type has been used for the internal spine of the 'au. The exterior of the 'ato and the 'au has been woven using lau fala (soft pandanus material). The four sides of the 'ato show alternating, geometric patterns defined by dark brown dyed pinnules of lau fala woven against naturally light coloured lau fala. The handle shows a similar pattern.