Pulou

Pulou. Hat. This pulou is worn by female when attending church. It is made of tuāniu (coconut midrib), lau fala (pandanus leaf) and lau paogo (thick, rough flax). The coiling technique used is called su'i se'i, a missionary-introduced technique and an alternative to lalaga (weaving). The internal structure is of tuāniu and is then coiled by lau fala for its exterior. This is woven in circular motion and intermittently between tuāniu. This process begins atop the crown centre and is worked the crown and brim is complete. The serrated-edged band encircling the crown is fili fā (plaited in four-ply) using lau paogo. A large floral ornamentation is cut out and curved from lau paogo, perched on top of brim and tied using a red, plastic string.