condensed discuss document expanded export feedback print share remove reset document_white enquire_white export_white report_white
discuss document export feedback print share gallery-landscape xml

'Ofu

human history
  • Other Name

    Dress (English)

  • Description

    Ofu. Dress. This is an 'ofu made entirely of fau (lacebark). The bodice section has been formed by knotting the warp lengths together to portray a net-like fabric. The knotting method ceases at the waist area where the remaining lengths of the warp have been left loose and fibrous to form the titi (skirt) area. The fau used for constructing the bodice and titi area has been dyed green.

    The shoulder straps are also made of the same material type, however the weave technique is different to that of the bodice. It features a plain lalaga (weave) out of pale yellow and green dyed fau. The shoulder straps have become loose over time. These have been basted with fau and attached to the top edge of the bodice. Mid-sized rosa (embellished rosettes) have been applied evenly to areas of the bodice and edging of both the waist and top. These range in colours of pink, purple, yellow and green. There is no opening on the 'ofu for fitting, portraying the entire garment as seamless.

  • Place
  • Accession Number
    1969.94
  • Accession Date
    24 Apr 1969
  • Other Id

    41334 (ethnology)

  • Department
dress, 1969.94, 41334, Cultural Permissions Apply

Images and documents

Images

Artefact

The development of the Auckland War Memorial Museum online collection is an ongoing process; updates, new images and records are added weekly. In some cases, records have yet to be confirmed by Museum staff, and there could be mistakes or omissions in the information provided.

The gift of curiosity

With unlimited free entry to all paid exhibitions, discounted event tickets and exclusive Member-only events, a Museum Membership is the gift that keeps on giving year-round.

SEE OPTIONS FROM $60

The gift of curiosity