Ta'ovala. Waist mat. Ta'ovala (waistmat) are part of a Tongans formal wear, it is worn wrapped around the waist and secured with a kafa (girdle). There are different types of ta'ovala and they are all ranked differently, often in accordance with the quality of the weave and materials used. Ta'ovala are worn for different occasions such as funerals, weddings, and birthdays. The type of ta'ovala worn will often indicate ones status within their family or wider community. Ta'ovala are made from natural materials and can also be made from synthetic materials or a combination of the two. This ta'ovala is made from mustard yellow plastic fibres which have been knotted or crocheted into a layered ta'ovala. Looks to have been made in three parts and then attached together to form a whole ta'ovala. There is a row of tasselled and knotted fibres along the length of the ta'ovala.