Titi (dance skirt)

In some Pacific islands, a dance costume can demonstrate as much flair and artistry as the dance itself. The makers of dance costumes work with fibres, dyes and textures, combining natural materials like leaves and seeds with imported and manufactured goods such as beads or cloth. They often incorproate indigenous design with new materials, creating costumes that are strikingly simple or wonderfully elaborate.

Titi

This is a titi (dance skirt) from Tuvalu. Women wear titi in dance performances, often over a fabric dress, with accessories such as headbands, armbands, and wristbands made from a variety of materials. The colours used in a titi might reflect the personal preference of the maker. However, they may indicate status, or membership of a group such as a village, school or church.

Materials

The manufacture of  titi often blend natural local materials with imported products. The wide strips of these skirts are usually made from pandanus leaves wrapped in white paper, with bold geometric motifs sewn on top. The narrow strips of the skirt are made from leaves, both naturally coloured and dyed. All the strips are attached to a decorative waistband of plaited leaf. The long inner strips on this titi have been folded back and tied with synthetic string for storage.

Some costume makers gather materials from their local environment, selecting plants for their appearance or symbolic value. They may choose flowers or shells found only in certain locations. Some materials require careful preparation, while others can be used in their natural state. Then they might combine these natural materials with Velcro fastening, plastic, raffia, or synthetic beads.

Acquisition History

This titi was collected by L and J Geursen while they were living and working in Tuvalu during the 1980s.