Samoan Fine Mat Ie Toga

Because of their rank value and importance it is only proper to separate this description from the other mats.

Samoan fine mat ie toga. In samoa today it is mainly used for special occasions the finer the mat the better the. This course examines two of samoa s precious cultural properties the traditional fine mat commonly called the toga or mālō and the ceremonial drink commonly called ava or le a. An old and rare samoan ie toga fine mat decorated with a border of red feathers and the name b. Understand that ie tōga is made from the native pandanus lauie tree.

The value of an ie tōga fine mat is derived from the knowledge skill patience and love that go into its making. It fails to describe the true value of the sacred ceremonial robe as the samoans see it. Some fine mats take years to complete. Purcell on the reverse.

Ie toga is never used as a mat. 118 samoan exchange and fine mats i am going to tell a story about samoans and their ie toga which begins about 200 years ago when regular contact between samoans and europeans began and ends in the present. The mythical origins of the fine mat and ava drink and their significance in cementing the ties of kinship and alliances in both the old and modern societies of samoa will be taught. The samoan fine mat or ie toga was the original pacific currency.

They are made by women and form an important part of their role. The most important item of cultural value in samoa. I have chosen these objects as my focus because of all the treasured goods of the samoans fine mats alone have. It is often used for presentation or also in dress.

The term fine mat is not an accurate english translation for the word ie toga the most valued possession of the royal families of samoa. In the past there were many accomplished fine mat makers. Fine mats ie are prized in samoa as symbols of wealth and abundance and are exchanged and offered as symbols of celebration redemption celebration honor and forgiveness. ʻie toga are the highest ranking sāmoan fine mats.

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. ʻie tōga are valued by the quality of the weave and the softness and shine of the material.