Tongan Woven Mats

They are made by women and form an important part of their role.

Tongan woven mats. They are also presented at special occasions such as births deaths and weddings. Woven mats serve a variety of purposes from the ordinary to the ceremonial. Pictures of past and. 5 out of 5 stars 71 71 reviews 23 95 free shipping add to favorites.

Mat weaving is one of the ancient tongan handicrafts. In addition to using mats for practical household purposes such as floor coverings and bedding the people of tonga wear mats knows as ta ovala around the. The two biggest occasions for tongan families are weddings and funerals where traditional tapa cloths and woven mats are gifted. Today many tongans still live in villages and traditional village life has not changed greatly from earlier days.

ʻie tōga are valued by the quality of the weave and the softness and shine of the material. Washed dried thin pandanus leaves are now ready to be woven into mats kiekie and other handicrafts. Sennit lashings fine reed walls tongan ngatu or bark cloth and intricately woven mats. It is in fact a collection of these mats in the palace that forms the true crown jewels of tonga.

Fine mats are the most treasured possessions in tongan households. Some mats are shipped to and sold in nuku alofa as well as outside tonga. Many woven mats are passed down from generation to generation acquiring greater status with the passage of time. Emigrated family members usually arrange shipping and selling to oversea tongan communities.

Vast quantities of mats are woven and traditionally presented at births weddings funerals and other special occasions. 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. Hand woven table mats rustic blue placemats table mat modern placemats modern blue geometric mats summer table decor price for each danceswithyarns. Woven mats are commonly used for bedding and flooring.

Tongan handicrafts being made in vava u island group. The couple who arrived in tonga from fiji on thursday joined princess angelika and prince ata king tupou vi s son and daughter at the fa onelua centre which showcased products including traditional mats and tapa. The mats are used for a variety of purposes.