Tool (gai-tohe)
Production date
1989
Country
Australia
State/Province
Queensland
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Object detail
Description
Small, thin piece of bamboo that has been split from a larger piece.
Classification
INDIGENOUS CULTURES Melanesian & South Sea Islander
Maker
Production date
1989
Production place
Measurements
Length:142mm
Width:4mm
Weight: Less than 1g
Width:4mm
Weight: Less than 1g
History and use
Gai-tohe tools are used to split coconut or pandanus leaflets into strips. The sharpened end of the tool is pushed through the leaf to pierce it. The tool is then forced along the length of the leaf to split it lengthways into narrow strips. The fibre strips are then used for weaving.
Several other tools are sometimes used in place of gai-tohe - a thumbnail, large needle, or a piece or sharpened reed are common alternatives.
This item is part of Alice Hunai’s collection of Vanuatu material culture, created in the 1980s.
Several other tools are sometimes used in place of gai-tohe - a thumbnail, large needle, or a piece or sharpened reed are common alternatives.
This item is part of Alice Hunai’s collection of Vanuatu material culture, created in the 1980s.
Associated person
Registration number
QE25607
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