Te aluga

Te aluga. Woven pillow. This example of an aluga is cylindrical in shape and woven from lau fala (pandanus leaves) in a single check pattern. There are dyed overlaid fibres of red and black incorporated in a checkerboard pattern called fakatolotolo, seen in five bands across the form. The aluga is weighted, with wadded fibre or other material encased by the outer layer of lau fala. The aluga is portable and would often be used by fishermen in order to wake easily without missing the fishing times. The aluga is used atop a mekei (sleeping mat).