Tuiga (ceremonial headdress)

Tuiga

The tuiga is a ceremonial headdress that is associated with rank and status in Samoan society. In the 19th century its use was reserved solely for ali'i (chiefs) and their taupou (chiefs’ daughters) or manaia (chiefs’ sons). It was worn by chiefs in battle and for ceremonial processions during ta’alolo (food offerings). It was also worn in celebratory dances and for important occasions that were marked with ‘ava ceremonies. The older style of tuiga was a composite headdress made up of five parts including the pou (siapo foundation), the lave (triple staff or upright framework), the pale fuiono (forehead band), the ‘ie ‘ula (a bundle of red and white feathers), and lauulu (tufts of human hair). However in the 21st century the most common type of tuiga are single-piece hat-like structures such as this one.

The base of this tuiga is covered in black cloth. The centre of the pale fuiono (forehead band) is decorated with an assortment of shiny plastic beads and features a central heart motif surrounded by smaller intricate patterns. Above the pale fuiono extends a five-pronged lave framework decorated with four round glass mirrors and beaded flower/star motifs along the length of each rod. In lieu of human hair, undyed orange/brown chicken feathers cascade down on both sides, with dyed red and white feathers sitting above these.

This tuiga was made in 1994 by Matalena Mauga Sefo who comes from the village of Lotofaga in Aleipata, Samoa. It was purchased from the flea market at Savalalo in Apia and is a rare example of the exquisite cultural ware that could be found at the maketi (market). At the time that this tuiga was acquired, it was uncommon to come across these ceremonial headdresses for sale in Samoa, or in New Zealand. When put up for sale this tuiga caused quite a stir and was noted as a highlight of the entire maketi, showing the high regard in which these ceremonial headdresses are still held by Samoans.

This tuiga was purchased from Matalena Mauga Sefo in 1994.

Peter Buck, Samoan Material Culture (Honolulu: Bernice Pauahi Bishop Museum, 1930), 615-619.

John B. Stair, Old Samoa, or, Flotsam and jetsam from the Pacific Ocean (Papakura: R. McMillan, 1983), 117.