WHAT IS AN IE TOGA?
HEIRLOOM CULTURAL SYMBOL
Ie togas are meant to be worn
and passed down within a
family. Most Samoan family's
most valuable possession is
an ie toga that has been
handed down for generations.
HOW IS IT MADE?
PREPARATION
Pandanus leaves are sun-
dried, split, cut, braided,
soaked in the ocean for
several days, and dried again
before the weaving process
can begin.
TRADITION
The ie toga has become a
symbol of Samoan culture.
They are a status symbol and
imbue ideas of prestige,
obligation, deference and
power.
WEAVING
The pandanus fibers are
woven together by women
who are very careful not to
weave too loose or too tight.
It takes years to master the
proper technique.
Ie Togas are present in many
Samoan traditions and are
meant to be worn on special
occasions. They are often a
part of a woman's dowry or
exchanged as gifts.
BATHING
After weaving is finished the
mat is spread out and
sprinkled with soapy water
and rubbed with a cloth.
Afterwards it is stretched out
with rocks and left to dry.