In Kiribati, most of the objects we use in our daily life are traditionally made from natural resources found in the immediate vicinity of our villages. Today, we are please to feature our artefiacts of the day – ‘Te Ikuiku’ and ‘Te Bwere’.
Te Ikuiku – A traditional heavy wooden mallet used to soften and flatten pandanus leaves in preparation for weaving. This process is an important first step in mat and basket making, ensuring the leaves are smooth, soft and ready for weaving. The use of Te Ikuiku is a skill traditionally practiced by women and passed down through generations, reflecting both craftsmaship and traditional knowledge.
Te Bwere – A traditional tool made by setting sharp pieces of stones, shells )often used as local tools), sometimes shark teeth, into a wooden block. It is specifically designed for cutting and stripping dried pandanus leaves into different widths, depending on the type of weaving required. This tool allows women to prepare find strips for mats. The making and use of ‘Te Bwre’ shows the resourcefulness in using the available local materials to sustain our important cultural practices.
Visit Te Umwanibong for more information on these traditional artefacts!
