About Lavalavas (Page 4 of 5)
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As
each stick is moved and the shuttle thrown through the warp creating
the woof fabric. The method threads are lifted, counted, and woven through
with the shuttle determines the style and pattern. Designs can be added
as the fabric is woven. The woof threads are counted according to a
design pattern and colors are woven in to the warp by picking the thread
through with a stick. |
| A
hoapop, a wedge shaped board less than an inch wide and about thirty-six
inches long is used to pack each woof thread as threads are continuously
inserted from each direction through the warp. |
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Lavalava
weaving styles are peig, flaag, or a simple stripe. Accomplished weavers
create special designs that are woven horizontally into the lavalava
fabric. Each weaver creates her own designs. Lavalavas with names of
the recipient woven in the center stripe or at one end above the fringe
become special gifts. |
| A
lavalava is worn by wrapping it around the hips just below the waist.
The two edges are held together and pulled off to the right side folded
into a pleat back toward the left side, the fringe falling in the center.
As a novice safety pins can be used for security but women from the
islands wear a cord to hold it in place. The cord is placed above the
lavalava in the back holding the fabric at the sides and front. This
allows freedom of movement when moving or standing up from a sitting
position. |
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Men
of the family make the loom and accessories for weaving and the women
prepare the fibers and do the weaving. Here the back strap is woven
from cord for fishing net. The traditional back straps are made from
hand made coconut rope. |
| A
wood frame is used to braid the back strap. Styles and shapes for the
back strap vary and are adapted and learned from men of the families
passing on the skill. |
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