Pareu

Pareu. Dance skirt of a rakei ura (full dance costume). Multiple bundles of natural coloured and dyed-yellow kiriau strands (hibiscus fibre) are wrapped and knotted around two cords, possibly made of kiriau, forming the top of the waistband. One of the cords is finished with three-ply plait forming a tie. A woven waistband made of kiriau is sewn onto fabric which is sewn onto the top of the pareu (using coloured cotton thread and nylon wire). Ua puka (Lantern tree seeds), pieces of koe (bamboo) stalk, and strands of kiriau are sewn onto the waistband (using nylon thread). Decorating the top to mid area of the pareu are multiple threads of nylon thread through puka seeds and pieces of koe stalk, (sewn onto the bottom of the woven waistband), with natural coloured and dyed-yellow kiriau tassels. Three metal eyes run down the front edge of the waistband. On the opposite back end of the waistband, is a strip of fabric with three metal hooks.