How to Make a Samoan Money Tuiga: A Detailed Guide
Are you looking to create a Samoan money tuiga, a traditional woven mat that is both a symbol of wealth and a beautiful piece of art? If so, you’ve come to the right place. In this guide, I’ll walk you through the process of making a Samoan money tuiga, from gathering materials to completing the final touches. Let’s get started!
Materials Needed
Before you begin, gather the following materials:
| Material | Description |
|---|---|
| Flax | Used for the warp threads, which run vertically through the tuiga. |
| Maile | Used for the weft threads, which run horizontally through the tuiga. Maile is a vine that grows in the Samoan islands. |
| Leaves | Used to create the base of the tuiga. These can be banana leaves or other suitable leaves. |
| Wooden dowels | Used to hold the warp threads in place while weaving. |
| Scissors | Used to cut the threads and leaves. |
| Thread | Used to tie the warp threads to the wooden dowels. |
Preparation
Once you have all the necessary materials, it’s time to prepare them for weaving.
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Soak the flax threads in water for at least 24 hours to make them more pliable.
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Boil the maile vines for about 30 minutes to remove any bitterness and make them easier to work with.
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Prepare the leaves by cleaning them and cutting them into strips that are about 1 inch wide.
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Measure and cut the wooden dowels to the desired length, typically around 3 feet.
Setting Up the Frame
Next, set up the frame for your tuiga. This will serve as the base for your weaving.
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Take two wooden dowels and place them on the floor, about 3 feet apart.
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Secure the dowels in place using a piece of wood or a heavy object to hold them steady.
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Thread the flax warp threads through the dowels, starting from the bottom and working your way up. Make sure the threads are tight and evenly spaced.
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Secure the warp threads to the dowels using the thread.
Starting the Weaving Process
Now that your frame is set up, it’s time to start weaving.
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Begin by placing a strip of leaf on the warp threads, starting from the bottom and working your way up.
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Overlap the leaf strip slightly over the warp threads, creating a pattern of raised and lowered threads.
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Continue weaving the leaf strips, alternating between the warp and weft threads, until the tuiga reaches the desired size.
Finishing Touches
Once you’ve completed the weaving, it’s time to add the final touches to your Samoan money tuiga.
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Trim any excess threads or leaves from the tuiga.
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Use a piece of thread to tie the ends of the warp threads together, securing the tuiga to the frame.
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Clean the tuiga by gently brushing it with a soft brush or cloth.
Care and Maintenance
Proper care and maintenance will ensure your Samoan money tuiga remains beautiful for years to come.
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Avoid exposing the tuiga to
