Mat (umbrella)
Production date
Unknown
Country
Solomon Islands
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Object detail
Description
Vadhe- mat of wide pandanus leaves stitched together with cut serrated edge.
Classification
INDIGENOUS CULTURES Melanesian & South Sea Islander mat
Maker
Production date
Unknown
Production place
Measurements
L. 1000mm, W. 700mm approx
Media/Materials description
Plant fibres
Signature/Marks
Malaita - gift \ 1960-90 \ umbrella, banana leaf \ & \ mulle (sp?) \ go to (?) hospital & pat pillows \ and sheet inside (?) & go home- \ used to carry food \ go fishing with it \ mat sitting on \ shelving mat \ must start making (sp?) this with \ good material.
History and use
This object is from the Helen Barrett collection, which was donated to Queensland Museum in 2014. Miss Helen Barrett worked as a nurse with the Australian Board of Mission in Solomon Islands from 1947 until 1984. Barrett was based at Tasia in Isabel Province, and Maravovo on Guadalcanal before being stationed at the Hospital of the Epiphany at Fauabu, Malaita from 1968 until 1984. In the 1990s, Barrett worked with the Mothers Union in the Torres Strait Islands. Her collection largely comprises of objects that were presented as gifts over the course of her missionary work in Melanesia.
Large pandanus mats such as this are commonly used for a range of purposes on Solomon Islands including as a rain cover and to carry bundles of food etc.
Large pandanus mats such as this are commonly used for a range of purposes on Solomon Islands including as a rain cover and to carry bundles of food etc.
Registration number
E40693
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