Description: Potu. Mat. Tafisi Moe Motu was the title given by the makers Mrs Hega Heisifu and Mrs Mokafou Kaliatama for this potu. The title is influenced by the efforts to encourage inclusive Niuean weaving groups rather than divided. As its ethnology card states, "the Niue weaving groups in Auckland should not be divided but work together." The potu is rectangular in shape and flat in form. It ahs been made entirely from lau fā (pandanus leaf). Diagonal stripes of red and black dyed lau fā portray intricate mata pelē (patterns). Small block coloured squares or diamonds that are portrayed through the coloured diagonal stripes are referred to as matarupe. This is surrounded by another square referred to as 'pa'. The woven format of the potu portrays a mix of lalaga (plain weave) and complex lalaga fakafiti (twill weave). This potu was made to mark the occasion of the 'Mats of the Pacific' exhibition at Auckland Museum. [date].

Collection: HUMAN HISTORYAccession Number: 1989.17Accession Date: 20 Jan 1989Description: Potu. Mat. Tafisi Moe Motu was the title given by the makers Mrs Hega Heisifu and Mrs Mokafou Kaliatama for this potu. The title is influenced by the efforts to encourage…

Description: Vaka. Canoe. This is a model vaka. It has been made from a dark brown wood for the main body and a carved length of fou (hibiscus titilaecus) for the hama (outrigger). A fohe (paddle) has also been made out of a dark brown wood material and has been attached with a short piece of cord to one of the tautoko (crossbooms). The main body has been assembled from the following components: a tino vaka (hull) forms the base of the vaka, four components such as the puke in two parts (the stern and bow) and the oa in two parts (the port and starboard) form the top layer of the vaka. Perforations have been made along their edges for the purpose of inserting pulu (cordage of coconut sennit fibre) for lashing and joining the pieces together. The puke and oa parts contrast that of the tino vaka as they feature a surface decoration of carved linear designs that repeat across the surface area. Both puke also feature a raised central ridge that runs towards their ends. The stern end shows a more serrated finish in comparison to the bow end. Both puke show raised splashguards. A fua pule (cowrie shell) has been threaded into the pulu used to assembling the components together. These fua pule decorate the ends of the puke components and atop the splash guards, a characteristic definitive to Niuean vaka. Three tautoko (crossbooms) have been lashed across the oa with pulu. A length of carved fou has been attached to the ends of the tautoko portraying the hama. The fohe accompanying this vaka portrays a long handle and blade that is shorter in length by comparison.

Collection: HUMAN HISTORYAccession Date: UnknownDescription: Vaka. Canoe. This is a model vaka. It has been made from a dark brown wood for the main body and a carved length of fou (hibiscus titilaecus) for the hama (outrigger). A fohe…

Description: Vaka. Canoe. This is a model vaka. It has been made entirely of a dark brown wood material. The hama (outrigger) and tautoko (crossbooms) are missing. The remaining body of the vaka is made up of five components. The tino vaka (hull) has been carved as one complete component. It features a curved base and is elongated in length, tapering at both ends and features a hafted interior. The cover has been attached as four components. The two ends portray the puke (stern and bow) and the central parts are that of the oa. Both oa and puke portray exterior carvings that portray cross-like motifs that repeat. These components feature perforations at their base edges that have been made for the purpose of inserting pulu (cordage of coconut sennit fibres) for lashing and joining to the tino vaka. The starboard side of the vaka features a decorative border between the joins of the oa and tino vaka consisting of fua pule (cowrie shells). It appears some of the pule have come loose over time. The bow point of the vaka shows a raised, carved serrated surface that tapers off towards the point. The interior of the puke and oa show where the pulu joins between the perforations. This vaka was also accompanied with a single fohe (paddle) of the same wood type. The fohe portrays both the blade and handle as one component.

Collection: HUMAN HISTORYAccession Date: UnknownDescription: Vaka. Canoe. This is a model vaka. It has been made entirely of a dark brown wood material. The hama (outrigger) and tautoko (crossbooms) are missing. The remaining body of…

Description: Kato kautaha. Ceremonial basket. It is a style of kato used for the purpose of presenting offerings. This is a kato (basket) made from lau niu (coconut leaf). The lau niu has been split down the centre of the kāniu (midrib). The pinnules of the lau niu appear to have been split and then woven together from the kāniu length to form the lalaga fakafiti (twill woven) mass of the kato. To complete the kato, the ends of the pinnules have been braided together to form the base. The ends of the braid have been tied off with a baste fibre that contrasts that of the lau niu. The fibrous depth of the kāniu can be seen from where it has been split and forms the rim of the kato. The pinnules have dried over time and portray a mid-tone brown colour. The rim is oval and large, showing a short depth of the kato. This was made in Niue from palm trees felled by the 2004 cyclone Heta.

Collection: HUMAN HISTORYAccession Number: 2004.86.1Accession Date: 25 Aug 2004Description: Kato kautaha. Ceremonial basket. It is a style of kato used for the purpose of presenting offerings. This is a kato (basket) made from lau niu (coconut leaf). The lau niu has…

Description: Vaka ama. A model of a single hull outrigger canoe. This vaka ama is designed for a single occupant. All components of this vaka ama are carved from wood, brown in colour, and lashed together with what appears to be cotton twine as well as natural plant fibre. The tino vaka (hull) is carved to a point at each end, with a rounded base, from what may possibly be moota wood. Attached to cover the tino vaka is a carved puke (combined prow and stern cover component) which is lashed securely with fibre along the length of the tino vaka including at each terminal end. Decorative incised lines are applied to the surface of the wooden puke, which has a raised serrated ridgeline along its centre. Along each side at the join between the tino vaka and the puke, a line of white fua pule (cowrie shells) is attached for decorative purposes. Two wooden tau toko (crossbooms) extend out from the tino vaka with a supporting rod connecting them. Two tutuki (wooden stakes) are tied to one of the tau toko, and four tutuki are tied to the other. The hama (outrigger) for this model vaka ama is missing. A model fohe is associated with this vaka ama.

Collection: HUMAN HISTORYAccession Date: 1929Description: Vaka ama. A model of a single hull outrigger canoe. This vaka ama is designed for a single occupant. All components of this vaka ama are carved from wood, brown in colour, and…

Description: Toki gēgē. Hafted clam shell adze. Adzes were invaluable tools for Moana Pacific societies prior to the introduction of European tools and materials. They were made in a variety of sizes and shapes according to their required use. This toki (adze) is presented in its complete form, worked from gēgē (tridacna, or clam shell) and lashed to a long wooden haft with braided pulu (coconut sennit). The toki gēgē appears to be oval in cross section, and reduced towards the poll. The cutting edge is chipped. It is off-white in colour with dulled and highly scratched surface treatment. The pulu and wooden haft are light brown in colour. The haft is cylindrical with a smooth surface treatment. The haft is sourced from a tree branch incorporating a section of a natural offshoot onto which the toki gēgē is fitted and lashed.

Collection: HUMAN HISTORYAccession Number: 1929.30Accession Date: 1929Description: Toki gēgē. Hafted clam shell adze. Adzes were invaluable tools for Moana Pacific societies prior to the introduction of European tools and materials. They were made in a…

Description: Ulufuamiti. Round headed club. This is a wood that has been carved to form a weapon referred to as ulufuamiti. It's name refers to the bulbous section that has been carved out at one end with an extended point. It's length is cylindrical in form and features a tapered point at the opposite end of the round bulbous, pointed end. Its surface texture is smooth, slightly polished and reddish, brown in colour.

Collection: HUMAN HISTORYAccession Date: [1929]Description: Ulufuamiti. Round headed club. This is a wood that has been carved to form a weapon referred to as ulufuamiti. It's name refers to the bulbous section that has been carved out…

Description: Katoua. Club. This is a large katoua, made of wood and is dual-purposed as a cleaver and spear. The cleaver and spear are at either end and the katoua is made to be held in the middle. The cleaver would be aimed forward and spear backwards, so that you can attack front opponent, but also attack behind opponents with the spear (Reference KH). The traditional purpose of such club is for intended bodily harm during combat however this particular katoua was designed for dances such as takalo (war dance) and meke (drum dance). A great part of the cleaver half resembles a paddle blade from the centre of shaft by which it is smooth and rounded at the edges. The cleaver has an extension from the blade, a long point measuring at 3mm in depth. For the other half, the shaft centre narrows and becomes circular, taking the form of a spear. The spear end has a pointed head, marked by a circumferential protrusion and a dull tip. Overall, this katoua is dark brown in colour by which appears to be of synthetic source. A range of cut marks and the likes are visible across the katoua surface; cut marks around the shaft surface just below the spear point, a natural split on edge of cleaver shaft and fractures on the two corners of cleaver blade.

Collection: HUMAN HISTORYAccession Number: 1925.193Accession Date: 28 Sep 1925Description: Katoua. Club. This is a large katoua, made of wood and is dual-purposed as a cleaver and spear. The cleaver and spear are at either end and the katoua is made to be held in…

Description: Titi fou. Skirt of lace bark. This is a hand woven titi (skirt) made from lau fou (lace bark). This titi fou is woven to wrap around the waist of the wearer and tied securely with braided cords of lau fou attached at the sides of the garment. The waistband is woven with green and natural pandanus. The body of the titi is made of hot pink dyed fou. Titi fou are intended for wearing during dance performances and celebrations. According to Matafele Smith, fou is a resource that is plentiful and grows wild in Niue. In the process of preparing the fibre for weaving, the leaves are cut and bundled. They are then submerged in sea water held down with rocks for approximately seven days wherein the desired fibres loosen and then can be easily stripped away from the rest of the leaves.

Collection: HUMAN HISTORYAccession Number: 2004.120.9Accession Date: 18 Nov 2004Description: Titi fou. Skirt of lace bark. This is a hand woven titi (skirt) made from lau fou (lace bark). This titi fou is woven to wrap around the waist of the wearer and tied securely…

Description: Titi fou. Skirt of lace bark. This is a hand woven titi (skirt) made from lau fou (lace bark). This titi fou is woven to wrap around the waist of the wearer and tied securely with braided cords of lau fou attached at the sides of the garment. The waistband is formed with three flat strips (two natural in colour, and one dyed purple). The body of the titi is dyed in alternating purple and natural colours. The waistband has fakamanaia (embellishment) of rosettes and purple tassels. Titi fou are intended for wearing during dance performances and celebrations. According to Matafele Smith, fou is a resource that is plentiful and grows wild in Niue. In the process of preparing the fibre for weaving, the leaves are cut and bundled. They are then submerged in sea water held down with rocks for approximately seven days wherein the desired fibres loosen and then can be easily stripped away from the rest of the leaves.

Collection: HUMAN HISTORYAccession Number: 2004.120.8Accession Date: 18 Nov 2004Description: Titi fou. Skirt of lace bark. This is a hand woven titi (skirt) made from lau fou (lace bark). This titi fou is woven to wrap around the waist of the wearer and tied securely…

Description: Titi fou. Skirt of lace bark. This is a handwoven titi fou made entirely from lau fou (lace bark). Its base has been made from red dyed lau fou. 10cm twilled taki-rua to form waist band, then knotted and left to form skirt. The hip area of the titi (skirt) shows fakafiti (twill weave). The selvedges of the fakafiti have been knotted in even bunches and left loose to make up the remaining length of the titi. Additional fakamanaia (decorations) have been added over the surface of the fakafiti in dyed lau fou of green, yellow and a natural tan colour. Each end of the titi features a short corded length that would have been used for the purpose of adjusting the titi upon the wearer's waist.

Collection: HUMAN HISTORYAccession Number: 2004.120.6Accession Date: 18 Nov 2004Description: Titi fou. Skirt of lace bark. This is a handwoven titi fou made entirely from lau fou (lace bark). Its base has been made from red dyed lau fou. 10cm twilled taki-rua to form…

Description: Titi fou. Skirt of lace bark. This is a hand woven titi (skirt) made from lau fou (lace bark). Its size and length suggest it is made for a small child. The fou fibres are dyed orange and purple and alternate with natural fibres, and all are looped along a central 3-ply plaited waistband in a striped pattern. Rosettes of purple and orange fou embellish the waistband of the titi. Titi fou are intended for wearing during dance performances and celebrations. According to Matafele Smith, fou is a resource that is plentiful and grows wild in Niue. In the process of preparing the fibre for weaving, the leaves are cut and bundled. They are then submerged in sea water held down with rocks for approximately seven days wherein the desired fibres loosen and then can be easily stripped away from the rest of the leaves.

Collection: HUMAN HISTORYAccession Number: 2004.120.10Accession Date: 18 Nov 2004Description: Titi fou. Skirt of lace bark. This is a hand woven titi (skirt) made from lau fou (lace bark). Its size and length suggest it is made for a small child. The fou fibres are…

Description: Tika. Throwing javelin. The tika comprises of a long cylindrical wooden shaft and a fakaulu (dart head) which is bulbous and pointed, dark brown in colour. The shaft is slightly bent. It is possible the shaft is made of fumamala. Red cotton is wrapped around the shaft near the fakaulu. Fakaulu can be made from tika, kieto, toi or gigie wood.

Collection: HUMAN HISTORYAccession Number: 2004.120.1Accession Date: 18 Nov 2004Description: Tika. Throwing javelin. The tika comprises of a long cylindrical wooden shaft and a fakaulu (dart head) which is bulbous and pointed, dark brown in colour. The shaft is…

Description: Titi fou. Skirt of lace bark. This is a hand woven titi (skirt) made from lau fou (lace bark). This titi fou is woven to wrap around the waist of the wearer and tied securely with braided cords of lau fou attached at the sides of the garment. The fibre strips of fou are arranged into a waistband with flat pink and green-dyed strips alternating. The fou fibres making up the body of the skirt are natural in colour and dyed in two places with green dye. Titi fou are intended for wearing during dance performances and celebrations. According to Matafele Smith, fou is a resource that is plentiful and grows wild in Niue. In the process of preparing the fibre for weaving, the leaves are cut and bundled. They are then submerged in sea water held down with rocks for approximately seven days wherein the desired fibres loosen and then can be easily stripped away from the rest of the leaves.

Collection: HUMAN HISTORYAccession Number: 2004.120.7Accession Date: 18 Nov 2004Description: Titi fou. Skirt of lace bark. This is a hand woven titi (skirt) made from lau fou (lace bark). This titi fou is woven to wrap around the waist of the wearer and tied…

Description: Iliili. Fan. This is a handwoven fan. A handle of kieto (ebony wood) has been hafted into a length. It is a blend of dark brown and light brown tones. The end of the handle shows some slight nicks. Kieto is a rare wood material in Niue. Half of the handle has been encased and woven over as part of the blade of the iliili. The blade has been constructed from a framework of lau niu (coconut midribs) and woven over with kāniu (the young white leaf od the coconut frond). The woven blade is triangular in shape and flat in form. The sides curve in to form a serrated top corner. The sides also portray two openly woven borders. A width of lau fā (pandanus leaf) in pale yellow has been wrapped around the kieto handle below the blade. A braided length of a musty yellow fibre has been woven through the lau fā portraying an intricate geometric mata pelē (pattern).

Collection: HUMAN HISTORYAccession Number: 2004.120.11Accession Date: 18 Nov 2004Description: Iliili. Fan. This is a handwoven fan. A handle of kieto (ebony wood) has been hafted into a length. It is a blend of dark brown and light brown tones. The end of the handle…

Description: Kahoa fou. This kahoa (neck ornament) is made of brightly dyed fou (lacebark) woven in a curled technique called fakavilovilo. The kahoa has additional decorative felefele fakavilovilo (curled fringing) incorporated into the bold and bright design. The fou is dyed in the following commercial colours: yellow, green, pink, purple, red, in addition to incorporating natural fibres. All these woven fou pieces are tied with pink cotton thread together in a ring. Rosettes of the dyed fou fibre are also incorporated into the design, perhaps Tongan in creative inspiration.

Collection: HUMAN HISTORYAccession Number: 2004.120.5Accession Date: 18 Nov 2004Description: Kahoa fou. This kahoa (neck ornament) is made of brightly dyed fou (lacebark) woven in a curled technique called fakavilovilo. The kahoa has additional decorative felefele…

Description: Kato keu. Basket for carrying flowers. This is a small ornamental kato. It features a lid component that is attached along one side and fastened opposite this. It also shows a kavei (handle) component that begins from one side of the kato (basket) and extends upwards then down to the opposite side. Its tia (coiled weaving technique) structure has been constructed from kāniu (coconut midrib). lau fā (pandanus leaf) has been used to produce the tia structure that covers and connects to create the entire kato. A small button-like node has been attached to the outside of the kato where a small braid of lau fā fibre has been used to fasten over this for the purpose of closing the lid. A black dyed pinnule of lau fā has been used to define a circular border around the surface of the lid. A small woven node protrudes from the centre of the lid. The same kind of black dyed lau fā has also been used to define a diamond checkered pattern along the handle of the kato. This style of kato would be used to present or collect flowers.

Collection: HUMAN HISTORYAccession Number: 2004.120.2Accession Date: 18 Nov 2004Description: Kato keu. Basket for carrying flowers. This is a small ornamental kato. It features a lid component that is attached along one side and fastened opposite this. It also shows a…

Description: Neck ornament of yellow sea snail shell (orobophana pacifica). This is a single strand featuring mostly hihi (yellow sea snail shells; orobophana pacifica). The strand of hihi has been sectioned out by two slightly larger shells. One is of the pair is of a brown tone and the other is more off-white in colour. Both are conical and portray an open aperture. Not all the pairs of this kind are of the brown and off-white combination, some are entirely of the off-white combination.

Collection: HUMAN HISTORYAccession Number: 2004.120.22Accession Date: 18 Nov 2004Description: Neck ornament of yellow sea snail shell (orobophana pacifica). This is a single strand featuring mostly hihi (yellow sea snail shells; orobophana pacifica). The strand of hihi…

Description: Belt. This is a plaited belt. It is made up of two components. The first is the belt itself, which is flat and rectangular in shape, and has been woven from strips of kāniu (the young white leaf of the coconut frond). One end of the belt is pointed whilst the other is straight and slightly fringed. The second component is the colourful patterned motifs which adorn the kāniu belt. These fakamanaia (decorations) are made from hibiscus fibre and include sections that have been dyed green, purple, and yellow. They have been intricately woven into the kāniu to create two distinct patterns. The first is a series of zig-zagging lines. The second is a square divided into four triangles with alternating colours. The patterns are repeated in an alternating fashion along the length of the belt and stand out against the kāniu backing.

Collection: HUMAN HISTORYAccession Number: 2004.120.16Accession Date: 18 Nov 2004Description: Belt. This is a plaited belt. It is made up of two components. The first is the belt itself, which is flat and rectangular in shape, and has been woven from strips of kāniu…

Description: Iliili. Fan. This is a handheld iliili. It is made from the following materials: fulu moa (feathers), kāniu (coconut midrib), lau fā (pandanus leaf), lau fou (dyed lace bark). A circular blade features a central motif that takes the form of a six-pointed star. It is surrounded by a circular border that has been finished with fulu moa. A handle extends down the length of the star shaped centre. kāniu have been used to form the framework of this iliili. The central area of the blade shows how lau fā in a pale yellow, off-white colour has been used to wrap and knot over the frame work. The triangular points of the star-shaped motif have been covered by a pale orange dyed lau fou. The central length that runs through the blade becoming a handle portrays a woven encasement of lau fā and dyed lau fou in green and faded reds. The circular frame of the blade shows the same wrapping and knotting technique used in the centre of the star motif. This has then been covered with a flat braid made up of pale yellow and green died lau fou. Mid length fulu moa in brown and black tones have been inserted between the flat braid and circular frame forming an extended border.

Collection: HUMAN HISTORYAccession Number: 2004.120.13Accession Date: 18 Nov 2004Description: Iliili. Fan. This is a handheld iliili. It is made from the following materials: fulu moa (feathers), kāniu (coconut midrib), lau fā (pandanus leaf), lau fou (dyed lace…