Taupo Costume

TUIGA (Head piece) 

This is the traditional head dress. Wearing the tuiga is a priviledge it represented rank and status. In the past when a tribe would go to war the tuiga was worn by chiefs. Over the time  the tuiga became a symbol of status that can be worn by the chiefs manai (son) or the taupou (daughter) at important village ceremonies.  

Taupo Dance Dress

materials: Leaf, shells, bark strip, husk and feathes 

The son or daughter of a Samoan Chief would dress in  a full on outfit for the taualuga performance. As you can see it is traditional finely woven ie' toga mat decorated with feathers that were collared from the blue-crowned lorikeet that wraps around the waist of the dancer. The matt is usually secured by a tapa sash called a "vala" or "fusi" and they usually wore layers and layers of mats and tapa. 

Today most fine mats are less delicate than the traditional matts now it is seen very rare in Samoan, they are only seen in museums and private collections. 

ULA NIFO (Necklace that is word)

This necklace is most valued in Samoan culture. The necklace is traditionally worn by cheifs and their offspring. Anciently the Ula Nifo was a symbol of wealth and status.