Kato teu (decorated ceremonial basket)

item details

NameKato teu (decorated ceremonial basket)

ProductionMele Katoa; maker/artist; June 1998; Wellington

Classificationceremonial objects, baskets

Materialsvelvet, ribbon, plastic, cane

Materials Summarycane: ready made cane baskety; plastic: bead

DimensionsOverall: 510mm (width), 600mm (height), 560mm (depth)

Registration NumberFE011255

Credit linePurchased 1999 with New Zealand Lottery Grants Board funds

Overview

This kato teu (decorated ceremonial basket) was made in the Hutt Valley by Mele Katoa in June 1998. The entire basket has been covered in a black, velvet-like fabric and contains an attached cushion covered in the same material. It is decorated with beads and ribbon. It was made for Mele's daughter Kaufo`ou Katoa, and given to her on her 21st birthday which was celebrated in Naenae, Lower Hutt, on 18 August 1998. When presented the kato teu would have been filled with scented oils and a selection of body products.

Ceremonial gifts
Tongan weavers have long made beautiful baskets for ceremonial gifts. Kato teu are a modern form of kato alu (woven ceremonial baskets).

Kato alu
Kato alu were first noted by Captain Cook in 1777 and examples were collected during his voyages. Both kato alu and kato teu continue to be made today and are significant Tongan cultural items of exchange and are often presented as gifts during weddings, funerals, and birthdays. They are also works of great artistry, skill, and ingenuity.

Kato teu
Kato teu start off as ready-made cane baskets - the art of turning them into kato teu lies in their decoration. Makers of kato teu in New Zealand have access to a huge range of decorative materials. Fabrics, beads, feathers, and dyes now play a vital part in the continuing art of creating beautiful baskets as gifts.