The Ulumate Project
Ticket Information
Restrictions
Website
Listed by
From the artist collective, Na Tolu, an exhibition of photographs, masks, body adornment, and the first ulu cavu (hair wig) made in more than 200 years.
Ulumate or ‘dead head’ describes the ancient practice of human hair wig-making by iTaukei (Indigenous Fijians) that’s been inactive in Fiji for two centuries. Ulumate was traditionally observed during a time of mourning when the drau-ni-ulu (hair) was cut and made into a wig, then worn until the hair beneath grew back. In pre-Christian Fiji, ulu cavu (hair wigs) were also worn in warfare. Post-colonisation, qita (selected men) wore ulu cavu as they stood guard over the village plantation.
Na Tolu, founded by Joana Monolagi, Ole Maiava and Daren Kamali, has been revitalising the practice of ulumate through research informed by ulu cavu held within institutional collections and by historic images of iTaukei.
The Ulumate Project is developed by Objectspace and supported by Creative New Zealand.
Image: Na Tolu, Ulu cavu (detail), 2021. Hair and magimagi (coconut sinnet) string lace
People who liked this also checked out these events
Log in / Sign up
Continuing confirms your acceptance of our terms of service.
Post a comment