Ceremonial Mat
Name/Title
Ceremonial MatEntry/Object ID
E-13Description
Large mat woven with pandanus strips and decorated with Samoan and American flags in colored yarns. The Samoan flag has incorrect color arrangement- stars, representing the Southern cross, should be on a blue background. Single palm element possibly borrowed from historic Cook Islands, is found on the Samoan coat of arms.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 occassions.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
95.1.1Ethnography
Cultural Region
Region
PolynesiaContinent
OceaniaCulture/Tribe
Samoan