About Lavalavas (Page 2 of 5)
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The
strip is then placed on a wooden branch, which has been flattened on
the topside. Another shell shaped for the purpose is used to scrap the
pulp from the fibrous layer leaving a thin glossy strip of banana fiber.
|
| A
barnacle held between the fingers is used to split off threadlike fibers
from the strip of banana fiber. |
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The
width of thread fibers determines how fine the weave of the final product
is. |
| The
thin threads of fiber are now tied together with a simple square knot
to create a continuous length. |
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The
continuous length of fiber is wound into a skein by making a figure
eight around the thumb and little finger. The length of a skein is determined
not by measuring its length but by squeezing and feeling the weight
of a consistent handful. |
| During
the Trust Territory days a common dye became the deep purple made by
boiling carbon paper or mimeograph ink with the fiber. This rich purple
is still very popular today. Commercial dyes are now used along with
cotton thread. But, natural fiber lavalavas are still of the highest
value to Islander's chiefs. |
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