The theme of the workshops is to explore the making and significance of measina (treasures of) a Samoa. One of the first workshops that we had was for the making of a Palefuiono (pale=head dress) and (fuiono= nautilus seashell). Upon further research, I've found out more about the origins of what it used to look like compared to what it looks like now to the way that it was made originally.
There are many interesting facts but one that I find very important was the idea of attaching silvery shells onto a headband that was worn on the head for ceremonial occasions in Samoa. This principle has still remained in currently made 'pale' but the difference is that shiny shells have been replaced with plastic shiny shapes that are often glued onto material that is then tied onto the head for cultural rituals.
There's so much that I'm learning now and am considering how to discuss this with participants who will be attending the measina workshops to explain what some of the measina used to look like and their functions to what they now look like and how some of the functions have changed. Something that I'll be writing about more in coming months...
No comments:
Post a Comment