An ancient tradition is being revived in Griffith, where women have been learning to weave traditional Tongan mats.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
A group of ladies have brought back their weaving group at the Multicultural Council of Griffith, where they've been teaching the finer points of Togan mat weaving, a craft that has been passed down family lines for many thousands of years.
The mats are made with leaves soaked in seawater for three months and then painstakingly handwoven into large mats by members of the community.
They're highly treasured mats that are reserved for those important moments in life: weddings, funerals, and times of celebration.
The technique has been passed down family lines for thousands of years, and now Ofa Ulupano is passing on the torch.
The group has been busy lately; they've been weaving funeral mats for two well-loved members of the Tongan community.
The weaving is done every Monday and Wednesday at the Multicultural Council of Griffith, which is currently located in their new headquarters inside the Griffith Masonic Lodge building.
The event is organised by Tongan community president Litia Kosi, who is welcoming people of all stripes to come and join the weaving group.
The group will be weaving their finest mats in preparation for a visit from the princess of Tonga, who will be coming to Griffith in October.
***
While you're with us, did you know that you can now receive updates straight to your inbox every Monday at 6am from The Area News? To make sure you're up to date with all the Griffith and MIA news you can sign up here.
Kenji Sato
Kenji Sato is a handsome journalist at The Daily Advertiser who enjoys writing flattering bios about himself in the third person. He can be contacted by email at kenji.sato@dailyadvertiser.com.au or by mobile on 0448 927 612.
Kenji Sato is a handsome journalist at The Daily Advertiser who enjoys writing flattering bios about himself in the third person. He can be contacted by email at kenji.sato@dailyadvertiser.com.au or by mobile on 0448 927 612.
