Sa'afa (mallet for beating sennit)

This is a sa'afa (mallet) from Samoa that is used together with a malaise (anvil) in the making of 'afa (sennit braid). 'Afa is a strong, resilient and versatile cord that is commonly made from the husk fibres of the niu'afa (sennit coconut). 'Afa is often described as one of the most, if not most important item of material culture in Samoa due to its various uses in Samoan culture. 'Afa can be used in the making of fishing gear, adornments, tattooing tools, in constructing houses and it can be presented in Samoan ceremonies and customs. 

Construction and significance

This sa'afa is made from heavy wood and rounded in section.  One end has been trimmed down in the form of a handle.  Sa'afa vary in length and thickness but the beating end is smooth to allow for the beating of husk.

This sa'afa is an example of the type of tools used in the manufacture of 'afa in Samoan society. The husks from the nuiafa are stripped, soaked in water and then beaten with a sa'afa on a malaise to remove the interfibrous material.  The ends of husk segments are constantly reversed while beating, and once the beating is complete the fibre has a silky yellow colour that changes to the usual sennit brown after exposure.  Historically, men were the sole makers of 'afa and also in its braiding, as matai (chiefs) would often pass their hours in fono (meetings) by braiding 'afa in preparation for its use. 

Acquisition History

This sa'afa was donated by the Samoa-New Zealand artistic exchange group that travelled to New Zealand from Samoa to celebrate Samoan Independence Day of 2012.  The group were funded by the New Zealand arts agency Creative NZ and included artists, Paul Junior Sulu'ape, Heperona Seiuli, 'Auomala Folasa-Solo, Savelina Afa'ese, Suimatua Kiripele Umu Alaia, Felise Ioana and Galumalemana Steven Percival. 

References

Hiroa, T. (1930). Samoan material culture. Bernice P. Bishop Museum Bulletin, 75, 497.