Mat, of pandanus, from Tonga; part of the Forster collection (Forster 55a; 1886.1.1177)

Made using a plaited technique with two sets of elements, between 2 and 6 mm in width. This is visually different from weaving with in that the elements are interwoven diagonally at 45 degrees to the edge of the piece. Tags of red and white pandanus leaf are plaited into the mat. Strips are attached by passing one end under a crossing weft and drawing it out to half its length. The end is brought over the crossing weft, again passed under it, and drawn taut. The strip thus forms two tags. As the strips are passed around an outer weft where it crosses an inner one, the latter prevents the appearance of the fixing loop on the inner surface of the completed garment. No knot is formed in this process. The tags are approximately 2 cm in length

• Museum database entry.