Tuiga (ceremonial headdress) from Samoa

A tuiga is a ceremonail headdress from Samoa. Wearing the tuiga is a privilege only extended to members of certain families with rank and status - the wearer or their family must carry the title with which the tuiga is associated. 

In the past when a tribe went to war the tuiga was worn by chiefs. Over time the tuiga has become a symbol of status that can be worn by the chief’s manaia (son) or taupou (daughter) at important village ceremonies.

This tuiga is was amde in the 1990s, and is constructed in one piece like a hat rather than from a number of composite pieces that are brought together when required. It was made by Matalena Mauga Sefo of Lotofaga village in Samoa. 

Text originally published in Tai Awatea, Te Papa's onfloor multimedia database (2003)