Bringing Back the Forgotten: The Ulumate Project

“It was at Auckland War Memorial Museum in 2013 that Ole Maiava brought the ulu cavu wig to my attention” – Daren Kamali.

Bringing Back the Forgotten: The Ulumate Project is based on an old Fijian practice of wig ceremonies over two centuries ago. This completion of a contemporary ulu cavu wig began 25-years ago, with the growth and collection of Daren Kamali’s hair since 1997.

In 2021 heritage weaver Joana Monolagi completed the creation of a contemporary ulu cavu wig, using magimagi (coconut coir) and Vau (Hibiscus stem).

Join Na Tolu – The Three in talanoa as they share their work and research into the Ulumate Project.