Ili

Ili. Fan. This is a handheld ili, made for everyday, domestic use. It is made up of lau niu (coconut leaf), lau fala (pandanus leaf) and lapalapa (solid central part of the coconut leaf) . This ili is flat and leaf-like in shape. The 'au (handle) is cylindrical with an internal structure formed by several pieces of lapalapa, encased in an exterior layer of lau fala lalaga (woven pandanus leaf). The uppermost part of the 'au is fili (plaited) on both sides using lau niu. The same lau niu from the fili is used to begin the lalaga process, creating the leaf-like body of the lau (leaf or blade). The lau niu has been dried in the sun prior to its use. This ili is of various shades of light brown with some discolorations.