Samoan Fine Mat Weaving

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.

Samoan fine mat weaving. Kcetonline recommended for you. Samoan traditions of weaving. The ie samoa is a special finely hand woven mat fastened at the hem with two rows of green and red feathers and a loose fringe on one end. The ie sae has a special place in samoan culture and heritage.

The ie toga is woven by hand from cured leaves of the finest grade of the pandanus plant. The giving and receiving of ie tōga fine mats is an integral part of fa a samoa samoan way. They are made by women and form an important part of their role. Samoan fine mat weaving with gold ribbon duration.

Fine mats have been passed down from generation to generation. T he origins of the first fine mat ever woven trace back through generations of oral history and legend to the village of lefutu in tutuila american samoa and follows a dramatic story through its journey to the kingdom of tonga and again back to amoa in savaii. The best weavers among the women are engaged in the tedious job of weaving one robe which takes them several years to complete. These fine mats are as enduring as our samoan culture.

Originally the ie toga tongan cloth was brought to samoa by fuka of tonga. Traditionally woven with fine strippings of the pandanus plant the final product is silk like. Ie sae are very soft finely woven traditional samoan fine mats. Ie toga fine mat.

In the past there were many accomplished fine mat makers. Mat weaving differs from one to the other according to the species of pandanus used. The four most used mats are fala paongo fala tui fala tofua and fala fihu. The fala paongo brown in colour ranks high it is a chiefly mat and is customarily presented to those of chiefly rank.

The value of an ie tōga fine mat is derived from the knowledge skill patience and love that go into its making. Maureen unasa 8 470 views. ʻie tōga are valued by the quality of the weave and the softness and shine of the material. The art of basket weaving duration.