Artifact Number:
02185
Object:
Mat
'Ie sina
Material:
Plant (hibiscus)
Dimensions:
144 x 103 x 5 cm
Origin:
Samoa, Polynesia
Comments:
Large, white. Also known as a shaggy mat, this type of mat was worn by chiefly women in ceremonies or special occasions. This was also worn by young women during their marriage rites.
Made of the bark of a hibiscus, used generally for presents and prized as a nuptial conch in the curious Samoan custom of "Tokens of Virginity."
Collection Name: J.S. Emerson Collection