May 11, 2022 · In support of Rotuma Language Week 2022, Curator Pacific Cultures Rachel Yates reflects on the acquisition of an ‘apei sala (white mat) and monuma (blouse) for the Pacific Cultures collections. Both koroa (treasures) were officially …

Rotuman women still make fine mats (apei), which are important articles of exchange on ceremonial occasions . Chiefs (or rather their wives) are required to bring apei to weddings, funerals and other special events, and their prestige is affected by the number and quality of mats they are able to provide. [see photo]

'Epa, Apei, and Päega: Ceremonial Mats 'Epa refers to pandanus leaves from which the midribs and jagged edges have been removed. The leaves are dried in the sun for at least a week, then rolled into coils ready for plaiting into mats. There are three types of 'epa:

May 11, 2022 · On Rotuma, the conduit for this sacred ceremony is always three young women. Their purity is symbolised by a soroi, or coral paste applied to the head, a lock of hair called a sope, and the apei, a mat that today is still the most esteemed cultural treasure. Apei mats – ‘woven gods’ Rotuman Marriage, 1890-1910, by Thomas Andrew.

In 2021, we acquired a Rotuman ‘apei sala (white mat) and monuma (blouse) for the Pacific Cultures collections. Then Curator Pacific Cultures Dr Rachel Yates reflects on the acquisition.

In Rotuman custom, for example, certain material goods— 'epa (mats), and particularly apei (fine white mats); koua (food cooked in a earth oven); 'umefe (chiefly tables); tefui (garlands); lolo (anointing oil); and mena (turmeric)—are, or once were (in the case of mena), components of nearly every important ceremony performed on Rotuma.

Finally, by the side of the bed, they placed a taga (a pile of rolled-up apei wrapped inside an apei), made from the apei that were left over from the la'o. They put the best apei right in the middle as tö'rere (tö' meaning to break, and rere signifying top).

The apei made by the bride's mother is called 'airoto (to cherish; to hope—that the bride really is a virgin). The mother gives her daughter to her new husband—the culmination of all her years of care since the girl's birth.

A classic Rotuman apei (fine mat) with red feather trim, donated to the Fiji Museum by Elizabeth Inia.

Nov 29, 2020 · The paega is the most significant aspect of the mamasa. Managreve told us the paega represents the Rotuman community. Once a visitor sits on the paega, she is now welcomed into the folds of the community. Considered a Rotuman, with the blessings and protection of the hanua (the land). She can go about the island like a Rotuman without fear.