They are then submerged in sea water held down with rocks for approximately seven days wherein the desired fibres loosen and then can be easily stripped away from the rest of the leaves. The dyes used to colour the fou fibres in this tapulu are dyed in bright yellow and green colour, most likely from a synthetic source. The main bodice of yellow satin is overlaid with dyed fou sewn along the top edge and woven downwards in an open-work hand-knotting technique called ponapona in alternating colours of yellow and green stripes. The fibres are left loose and fringing for the full skirt. Shoulder straps of yellow satin are attached to the top of the garment which also have overlaid green and yellow fou fibre woven in a pekepeke technique.