Kato
Description: Lalaga kato. Woven bag. This is a double skinned lalaga kato made from laufala (white pandanus), and could be used by women for church or special occasions. The inner layer is woven first with laufala, in a simple twill pattern: one over, one under, with each strip measuring approximately 25mm wide. The middle layer has inserts of corrugated cardboard for stability and to help shape the kato. The outer layer is woven with possibly lau paogo (brown pandanus). Again woven in a simple twill pattern, with each strip measuring approximately 8mm wide. The pattern is an over-weave of both dark and light purple 'hard paper ribbon', making a zig-zag pattern around the sides and lid of the kato. The top edge of the kato is sewn together with lau paogo, sewing all the layers together. The handles are a flattened four-ply plait with the dark purple 'hard paper ribbon' included to make a spiral effect. The length of the handles are 95mm each. The buttons are attached on the inside of the handles. They are made of lau paogo in a type of accordion lalaga. Each button is made up of five layers, making a thick square (it is known as a 'wasp nest' in Maori weaving). The lid continues from the back and folds over to make the lid. Attached 300mm from the front are two plaited cords of double thickness, possibly made of laufala or launiu (young coconut leaf - soft and white), to put over the buttons to secure the lid closed. The closure cords are secured on the inside of the lid with a triple knot.
Collection: HUMAN HISTORYAccession Number: 2001.12.12Accession Date: 13 Jul 2001Description: Lalaga kato. Woven bag. This is a double skinned lalaga kato made from laufala (white pandanus), and could be used by women for church or special occasions. The inner layer is…