item details
Overview
This apei is made from sa'aga (a species of pandanus), and identifiable by its colour, decorated edges and an un-woven fringe.
Apei are used for a number of reasons, and they are identified as the most prestigious item within Rotuman ceremonies.
Historically, there were grades of apei. The finest armea, made from the bark of the paper mulberry tree; the apei niau from hibiscus bark; and the apei sala made from sa'aga (Bennett, 1831). In the past, makers would also use red feathers to decorate apei. Today, contemporary materials are also used, this apei is decorated with wool.
When an apei is complete, it's customary for the family who the apei is for, to kill a pig and make a koua (a feast in earth oven) and fekei (pudding made from cassava starch, coconut cream, and sugar). This act gives mana to the apei. As such, Rotuman artist and academic Vilsoni Hereniko refers to apei as 'woven gods' (1995).
Acquisition History
This apei has been donated by Ravai Titifanue and family.
Significance
This apei helps us document the changing material culture of Rotuma and the stories of Rotumans in the diaspora. It evidences the ways in which culture and identity continue to be maintained and expressed.
Further Reading:
Bennett, G. (1831). A Recent Visit to Several of the Polynesian Islands. United Service Journal 33:198-202, 473-482
Hereniko, V. (1995). Woven gods: female clowns and power in Rotuma. Hawaii: University of Hawaii Press.
https://blog.tepapa.govt.nz/2020/05/11/rotumas-kava-ceremony/