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'Ula fetau

human history
  • Other Name

    Ula fetau (Samoan)

    Necklace of Alexandrian laurel nuts (English)

  • Description

    'Ula fetau. Necklace of Alexandrian laurel nut. This 'ula (necklace) is made from the nut of the fetau tree (Alexandrian laurel). The fetau tree is very versatile in Samoa and is used for various things. The wood of the fetau tree is used to carve tānoa (kava bowls) while the nuts can be used for medicinal purposes as well as an accessory. Thirty five fetau nuts have been drilled with two small holes on opposite sides of the nut.

    A length of clear nylon string has been threaded through the nuts to create the 'ula. Without a fastening mechanism the nylon string has simply been tied in a few knots to keep the 'ula together. The fetau nuts have been varnished giving it a glossy finish but still maintaining its natural beige colour. 'ula were made to be worn at festive occasions or offered as gifts of welcome or farewell to friends and family.

  • Place
    Samoa/Pacific
  • Accession Number
    2015.22.16
  • Accession Date
    07 Apr 2015
  • Other Id

    56758.16 (ethnology)

  • Department

    Pacific

neck ornament; ula fetau; 2015.22.16

Images and documents

Images

  • neck ornament; ula fetau; 2015.22.16
  • neck ornament; ula fetau; 2015.22.16
  • neck ornament; ula fetau; 2015.22.16
  • neck ornament; ula fetau; 2015.22.16

Artefact

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