item details
Overview
This is a sisi, a type of garland from Fiji. It is a highly valued adornment that is presented to people on special occasions such as arrivals and departures, weddings and graduations.
Materials and construction
This sisi consists of a waist cord to which are attached numerous strings of seeds, shells and wooden beads coloured in red, turquoise, white, orange and brown. It is decorated with clusters of hibiscus fibre rosettes made from natural and green dyed hibiscus fibre.
Significance
This sisi was made by Suva based Fijian artist Laveti Asinate Ma’afu in 1989. Laveti was a craftsperson in Suva and was well known for her innovations in using magimagi (coconut fibre) to create baskets, adornments and other cultural artefacts. This sisi was commissioned by Joan Teaiwa who wanted a garland to take to her daughter’s graduation in the United States. She needed a colourful yet durable sisi that would not dry up and get damaged on the long journey from Fiji.
Acquisition History
Joan’s daughter, Teresia Teaiwa was presented with the sisi upon her graduation with a BA cum laude from Trinity College, Washington, DC in 1989. Teresia offered the sisi to Te Papa in 2012.