Ceremonial Fine Mat
Ceremonial Fine Mat
This object is currently on display in the El Camino College Anthropology Museum
Name/Title
Ceremonial Fine MatEntry/Object ID
E-28Description
Palm fiber mat with long fringe along the bottom. Along the edge of the fringe red feathers have been attached, with grey and green feathers sewn on top. The name of the creator, Vaimasanu'u.N. (surname) is on the back.Use
A ceremonial mat, or an ʻie tōga, is a finely woven mat made of pandanus fibers over many months. They are used in gift exchanges, ceremonies and events, called fa'alavalava. Some examples are chief title bestowals, weddings and funerals. They can also be 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
Anthropology
Acquisition
Accession
95.1.16Ethnography
Cultural Region
Region
PolynesiaContinent
OceaniaCulture/Tribe
Samoan