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Overview
This is an 'ie lavalava (cloth wrap around) worn by Samoans as a form of clothing. This distinctive example is printed with 'PUMA' a major international sports shoe and apparel label.
Significance
The ‘ie lavalava has been a popular form of dress in Samoa since at least the 1800s. Indigenous forms of cloth such as siapo (barkcloth) were worn around the waist, and skirts and overskirts made from various plant fibres were also in use. As more imported cloth from Asia, America and Europe became available, other styles of waist garments were made and incorporated with local forms of dress. The 'ie lavalava could be plain and undecorated, or patterned with a variety of designs. Over time, non-indigenous printed patterned cloth influenced indigenous designs and compositions and vice versa. In the late 20th century and into the 21st century, the indigenous appropriation of non-indigenous designs and motifs continued, and extended to popular international sporting brands like Adidas, Nike and PUMA. This 'ie lavalava is an example of a trend that saw items such as coconut shell combs and earrings branded in a similar way.
Acquisition History
The 'ie lavalava was given to Safua Akeli as a farewell gift during a trip she made to Samoa in September 2010. She donated it to Te Papa later that same year.