Summary

This measina (treasure), the tuiga (ceremonial headdress)named Atamamao (beautiful by day), was commissioned and created by Melbourne-based tuiga maker Gina Tafea during the COVID-19 pandemic. A member of the Samoan community of Victoria, Gina comes from a lineage of tuiga-makers, having learned from her grandmother, aunties and elders. She created this piece as a tribute to Samoan heritage and identity in Victoria. Traditionally, the tuiga is worn by high-ranked individuals such as taupou or manaia (high-ranked women or men) and matai (chiefs). Today, the tuiga is also worn by individual participating in significant fa'asamoa(Samoa culture) ceremonies. The tuiga embodies fa'asamoa, chiefly status and one's connection to ancestry.

Atamamao is composed of several distinct elements: the lauao (hair), lave (headpiece), pale fuiono (headband), and sei (floral or feather adornment). The lau ao in this piece is crafted from synthetic hair, twisted and looped around a length of plaited plant fibre. The lave features five upright staffs adorned with black and gold pearl shell discs and pheasant feathers sourced from Australia. The pale fuiono is intricately made from siapo (barkcloth), lopa seeds, cowrie shells, and gold and black pearl shell discs, while the sei is fashioned entirely from pheasant feathers. Each component is securely attached using afa (coconut sennit).
Gina's use of feathers from Australian wildlife such as the Natural Heart Male Ringneck Pheasant honours the traditional owners of the lands on which the Victorian Samoans now reside. This approach highlights the tuiga's adaptability and relevance in contemporary contexts while maintaining its deep cultural significance.

Ideally, human hair - which symbolises ancestry and mana - is used in tuiga-making and in some cases, the hair is bleached using natural methods. In recent decades, darker hair colours have become more common, and today, synthetic wigs are also used due to challenges in sourcing natural hair. Gina will contribute her own hair to Atamamao over time.

Maintenance of the tuiga is the responsibility of either the village committee, designated women, or family members. As an heirloom, the tuiga is maintained and lovingly cared for, in preparation for ceremonies. As it ages, additional elements are renewed or repaired to sustain its value.

Through her craftsmanship, Gina not only preserves the traditional art of tuiga-making but also reimagines it for modern contexts. Her work reflects a commitment to fa'asamoa while acknowledging locality and innovative practice. [Information by maker Gina Tafea]

Local Name

Tuiga

Physical Description

The tuiga is a composite Samoan ceremonial headdress. It is made up of lau ao (hair), a lave (headpiece), pale fuiono (headband) and a sei (flower or feather adornment. In this case the lau ao is synthetic and comprised of many sections twisted and looped/secured around a length of plaited plant fibre. The long synthetic hair is burnished brown in colour and has been teased to appear voluminous. The lave consists of 5 staff or upright framework and decorated with black and gold pearl shell discs and pheasant feathers (sourced from Australia). The pale fuinono is made from siapo, lopa seeds, cowrie shells and gold and black pearl shell discs. The sei is made from pheasant feathers. The lau ao is secured by a pou. Everything is attached and secured with afa (coconut sennit).

More Information