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Overview
This is a malaise (anvil) from Samoa used together with a sa'afa (mallet) 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 equipment, adornment, tattooing tools, and in the construction of houses and canoes. It is used and presented in Samoan ceremonies and customs .
Construction and significance
This malaise has been cut out of a section of coconut wood and is circular in shape with a flat upper surface and four short legs. The legs are cut out of the solid wood and the outer surface is continuous across the whole malaise.
This malaise is an example of the 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 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.
An ordinary rock or log may be used as a malaise but the popularity of 'afa in Samoan life meant that most families in the late nineteenth century had a well made malaise cut from strong wood for the purpose of beating 'afa.
Acquisition History
This malaise was donated to Te Papa by the Samoa-New Zealand artistic exchange group that travelled to New Zealand from Samoa to celebrate Samoan Independence Day in June 2012. The group were funded by 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.