| Description |
Polynesian mat woven largely in an under one / over one diagonal plaiting technique; Near edges, warps and wefts are split in half and briefly plaited under two / over two, followed by a graduated plaiting (under one / over one, under two / over two, up to six), ending in a second series of under two / over two; Some of the fiber ends are twisted along the ends and braided to form an additional reinforcing band along the long edges and all corners; Both short ends of the mat have center edges that are indented, where warps and wefts are turned at the ends to form self selvages; Alternating asymmetrical rows of colored fringe (greens, pinks, grays and black) woven along long edges and all corners, although these fibers are almost completely worn away; Dark fibers are woven into three rows of designs extending the length of the mat; Each of the three rows is unique, although similar to the other two; Parts of two of the three rows include secondary weft fibers creating an overlay pattern; Reverse shows entirety of one design row, partial design of other two. |
