item details
NameBodice
ProductionMasani Taleni; maker/artist; 1997; Niue
Classificationbodices
Materialsshell (plant material), tapa, cloth
Techniquesweaving
DimensionsOverall: 40mm (width), 46mm (height)
Registration NumberFE013025/1
Credit linePurchased 2015
Overview
This skirt is part of a three-piece pageant costume designed for Jane Jackson who represented Niue at the 1998 Miss South Pacific Pagent held in Samoa. The costume was designed and made by Niuean weaver Masani Teleni and her father Taleni Agaese Seu.
Significance
This bodice is part of a set of three costumes that showcase different parts of the coconut tree. The bodice is finely woven from plaited coconut husk and is lined with tapa (decorated bark cloth). The bodice attaches at the front with three buttons fashioned from young coconut shells.