Tuluma

Tuluma. Fishing box. Tuluma are a multipurpose container that have many uses in Tokelau. They are predominantly used as fishing boxes for fishermen to store their hooks and fishing tools, bigger tuluma can also be used in the home as storage boxes. Tuluma all have a similar shape but their sizes will vary depending on its use. Tuluma are oval in shape, with lugs on either side and on top of the lid which has kafa (coconut sennit cordage) threaded through each lug and tightened to secure the lid to the base. The tight fitting lid, kafa rope, as well as its natural buoyancy ensures that the contents of the tuluma stay safe and dry should it fall into the water. This tuluma is deep rich brown in colour with other shades of brown coming through, due to the nature of the wood. It is carved from a single block of wood, usually kanava (Cordata subcordata) or taiuli, with a detachable lid which fits on snug. The lugs on the lid and base all have drilled hole through it in which a rope of rolled kafa is threaded through.