‘ie toga
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An 'ie toga is a special type of Samoan mat that plays an important part in Samoan culture. Also known as "fine mats", they are made from fine strips of prepared pandanus. They have an unwoven fringe and a strip of red feathers.
`ie toga are made from a variety of pandanus known as lau'ie and are very time consuming to make. Even the preparation of the pandanus can take many days as the panadanus leaves are prepared by soaking, drying and bleaching before being slit into thin strips for weaving. The weaving of some `ie toga has been known take years. In the 19th century, young women would start their own mats or complete ones started by older sisters. Today, it is more common for mats to be woven by a group of women working in a fale lalaga (weaving house). The feathers were originally from Samoan or Fijian parakeets but more modern examples have dyed chicken feathers. A well made `ie toga should be shiny, soft and have a very fine weave.
`ie toga are never used on the floor of a fale (house) but are considered the most precious type of mat and represent most of the traditional wealth of Samoan families. They are exchanged and presented at weddings and funerals, and at special occasions such as the blessing of a newly-built fale (house) or the opening of a church. 'ie toga are sometimes worn at special occasions. At funerals 'ie toga are given to the family of the deceased and gifts of mats and food are given in return. These exchanges display a mutual respect that enforces family ties.
