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waist garment

human history
  • Other Name

    ta'ovala (Tongan)

  • Description

    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 woven from the fanakio which is a plant most commonly found in the Niua islands in Tonga. It is finely woven , rectangular in shape and still has its natural brown colouring. The top and bottom edge are knotted in the sia technique and also have pueki shells attached as decoration. This ta'ovala is fairly small, so would most likely be for a child.

  • Place
    Niuatoputapu/Tonga/Pacific
  • Accession Number
    1982.194
  • Accession Date
    31 May 1982
  • Other Id

    50130 (ethnology)

  • Department

    Pacific

waist garment, 1982.194, 50130, Cultural Permissions Apply

Images and documents

Images

  • waist garment, 1982.194, 50130, Cultural Permissions Apply
  • waist garment, 1982.194, 50130, Cultural Permissions Apply
  • waist garment, 1982.194, 50130, Cultural Permissions Apply
  • waist garment, 1982.194, 50130, Cultural Permissions Apply
  • waist garment, 1982.194, 50130, Cultural Permissions Apply
  • waist garment, 1982.194, 50130, Cultural Permissions Apply
  • waist garment, 1982.194, 50130, Cultural Permissions Apply

Artefact

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