waist garment
Kupu whakaahua: 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.
Kohinga: HUMAN HISTORYAccession Number: 1982.194Rā Tāpiringa: 31 May 1982Kupu whakaahua: 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…