What is a Fala in Samoan?
Fala is general term used when describing the Pandanus tree or mats. The leaves of the tree used for mats are laufala, laupaogo, and lauʻie. Laufala and laupaogo are floor mats also refered to as papa, papa laufala, and papa laupaogo. Laufala are the popular sleeping mats (fala moe) .
What is a Samoan mat called?
An ʻie tōga is a special finely woven mat that is an important item of cultural value in Samoa. They are commonly referred to in English as “fine mats” although they are never used as mats as they only have a purely cultural value. Historically, some ʻie tōga were so valuable they were given their own names.
What do Samoans weave to make mats to sleep on?
The Samoan word for “mat” is fala. Falas are woven from dried palm leaves, and they tend to come in two varieties: fine mats and regular mats (Incidentally, I am of the “fine” variety.
What is a Fala made out of?
This appears to be a Samoan necklace known as an ‘ula fala. They are usually worn by tulafale (orators) at important events, and are made of sections of the pandanus fruit, which have been painted red.
Why is IE toga important?
Do you have one at home? Explain that ‘ie tōga is a special finely woven mat that has the highest cultural value in the Sāmoa islands. ‘Ie toga are used for special occasions such as weddings, funerals, bestowing of chiefly titles, and blessing of a new fale (house) or the opening of a new church.
What is a Samoan fue used for?
The fue is an an item of regal importance for a Samoan tulafale (talking chief). They are carried by tulafale or high chiefs when they are acting as an orator and presenting lauga (ceremonial speeches). Said to resemble fly switches in appearance, the whisk portion of the fue is made from ‘afa (sennit braid).
What does toga mean in Samoan?
Fine Mat
‘Ie Toga (Fine Mat): Samoan Traditions of Weaving.
What is a Fijian mat called?
One well-known Fijian mat is the kuta, made by women in Vanua Levu, particularly Bua.
What are Samoan necklaces called?
ulafala
This type of necklace is called an ‘ulafala. It is most often worn by Samoan tulafale (orator chiefs). In the context of oratory performances, ‘ulafala are important markers of social status. In other social and ceremonial situations they can help identify a special guest or simply act as an attractive adornment.
What does a Samoan chief wear?
The Matai (family chief), talking chief, orator, or high chief, wear the ‘Ula Fala during special occasions and functions. In addition to the ‘Ula Fala, the Matai would also wear a woven lauhala (pandanus leaf) mat around his/her midriff.
What is a Samoan Ula Fala?
Samoan ‘Ula Fala. ‘Ula Fala. Handcrafted in Samoa. The ‘Ula Fala are made from the pandanus fruit. The pieces are dried and painted red. The lei or necklace, measures approximately 45″ long. In Polynesia, red is usually the color reserved for royalty. Only royalty were permitted to wear the color. But it was more than that.
What is a Samoan Lei called?
Samoan ‘Ula Fala. ‘Ula Fala. Handcrafted in Samoa. The ‘Ula Fala are made from the pandanus fruit. The pieces are dried and painted red. The lei or necklace, measures approximately 45″ long. In Polynesia, red is usually the color reserved for royalty. Only royalty were permitted to wear the color.
What does the matai wear on their backs?
The Matai (family chief), talking chief, orator, or high chief, wear the ‘Ula Fala during special occasions and functions. In addition to the ‘Ula Fala, the Matai would also wear a woven lauhala (pandanus leaf) mat around his/her midriff.
What is an ʻie tōga mat?
An ʻie tōga is a special finely woven mat that has the highest cultural value in the Sāmoa islands. They are commonly referred to in English as fine mats, although they are never used as sitting mats. ʻIe tōga are valued because of the quality of the weave and the softness and shine of the material.