Tongan Culture and Ngatu Making

Questions and Answers

What is ngatu made from?

bark of the paper mulberry tree (hiapo)

What is the Tongan term for the traditional process of making ngatu?

koka'anga

Which of the following statements is true about ngatu?

Ngatu is primarily used for everyday clothing.

Ngatu is only made by women.

Ngatu is used for special occasions such as weddings. (correct)

Ngatu is a type of fruit.

Ngatu is not considered a treasure in Tonga.

False Signup and view all the answers

What tradition do the women and girls in the ngatu workshops participate in?

They learn to make ngatu and continue their cultural traditions. Signup and view all the answers

In Tonga, when we are born, we are wrapped in ______.

ngatu Signup and view all the answers

What is one activity that the group does while making ngatu?

They sing traditional Tongan songs. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Tongan Culture and Ngatu

Ngatu, also known as tapa, is a traditional cloth made from the bark of the paper mulberry tree (hiapo).
Workshops to create ngatu take place on Saturdays in Taita, near Wellington, New Zealand, involving grandmothers, mothers, and daughters.
The practice emphasizes the connection between generations within the Tongan community.

Importance of Ngatu

Ngatu holds significant cultural value in Tonga, used for blankets, mats, clothing, and even ceremonial kites.
It is a part of important life events: newborns are wrapped in ngatu at birth, and the deceased are wrapped in it for burial.
In New Zealand, the Tongan community uses ngatu for special occasions like royal ceremonies, birthdays, weddings, and funerals.

The Tradition of Koka‘anga

Koka‘anga refers to the process of making ngatu and consists of several steps.
Women in Tonga, including the elder members of the community, have historically passed down ngatu-making skills to younger generations since early childhood.
Uoleva and Mele, sisters who grew up in the 1950s and 1960s in Tatakamotonga, emphasize the importance of teaching traditional skills to the next generation.

The Making Process

The initial step involves cutting down the hiapo tree and peeling the bark, which serves as the foundation for the ngatu.
The peeled bark is then hung out to dry in the sun before proceeding to the next steps in the crafting process.
The workshops encourage community bonding through shared activities such as singing traditional songs while working on ngatu.

Description

Explore the rich cultural heritage of Tonga through this quiz focused on ngatu, the traditional cloth made from bark. Learn about the significance of ngatu and the techniques involved in its creation. Join the group on Saturdays to deepen your understanding of Tongan traditions.