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ornament

human history
  • Other Name

    vesa (Tongan)

  • Description

    Vesa. Anklet/bracelet. This vesa is part of a set of five which would have made up a teunga faiva (dance attire) from Kolofo'ou village in Tonga. Each village in Tonga has their own regional dance/s and dance attire that is specific to them that they perform at national gatherings and celebrations. These costumes often utilise the natural resources that are popular and significant to their villages.

    It is made up of alternating red dyed and natural coloured vana (circular rosettes) which are sewed onto a cotton band. Vana are made from fau (hibiscus fibre) it is cut into strips (the length will determine the circumference of the vana). It is tied in the middle and the fibres spread out split into smaller strips and out into a circular shape. It is then hammered to keep its shape and flattened under something heavy. It is named after sea urchins called vana.

  • Place
  • Associated Place
  • Accession Number
    1976.137
  • Accession Date
    17 Aug 1976
  • Other Id

    47775.1 (ethnology)

  • Department
ornament, 1976.137, 47775.1, Cultural Permissions Apply

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