A taʻovala is an article of Tongan dress, a mat wrapped around the waist, worn by men and women, at all formal occasions, much like the tie for men in the Western culture. The ta'ovala is also commonly seen among the Fijian Lau Islands, and Wallis island, both regions once heavily influenced by Tongan hegemony and cultural diffusion.
A just married couple still in their wedding taʻovala
Different types of taʻovala worn at funerals
An ʻie tōga is a special finely woven mat that is an important item of cultural value in Samoa. They are commonly referred to in English as "fine mats" although they are never used as mats as they only have a purely cultural value. ʻIe tōga are valued by the quality of the weave and the softness and shine of the material. They are made by women and form an important part of their role, identity and skill in their community.
Common type of ʻie toga with a coarse weave sold at a market in Samoa.
Three matai chiefs, the two older men bearing the symbols of orator status – the fue (flywhisk made of organic sennit rope with a wooden handle) over their left shoulder. The central elder holds the orator's wooden staff (toʻotoʻo) of office. His garment is an ʻie tōga. The other two men wear tapa cloth with patterned designs.
