Ceremonial Fine Mat (Ie-Toga)
Name/Title
Ceremonial Fine Mat (Ie-Toga)Entry/Object ID
E-27Description
Woven palm fiber mat with straw fringe across the top, and a red strip of cloth sewn across the bottom. Grey and green fathers are sewn into the cloth. Has a triangular pattern woven on the bottom, with straw fringe hanging from the tips of the triangle. More feathers, red, are sewn into the base of the tringles. The name "Fulisiailagitele Afusia" written one on corner, with the name or word "Gau" on obverse. There is also the name or word "Latu" written at the top left corner in what looks like pencil.Use
A ceremonial mat, or an ʻie tōga, is a finely woven mat. They are used in gift exchanges, ceremonies and events. Some examples are chief title bestowals, weddings and funerals. They are sometime worn around the waist on special occasions.Context
ʻIe tōga are often passed down from generation to generation. They are highly valued and sometimes they are given their own names. A fine ceremonial mat can take months or even years to make. The mats are never used as floor mats, despite the name. They represent wealth of Samoan families. ʻIe tōga are made from pandanus leaves that have been boiled and bleached in the sun. Then cut into thin strips to weave.Collection
El Camino College Anthropology MuseumCategory
Ethnography
Acquisition
Accession
95.1.15Ethnography
Cultural Region
Region
PolynesiaContinent
OceaniaCulture/Tribe
Samoan