Designed by Sela Smith, as part of the Dee Why Tongan women's group for ceremonial use.

The belt displays an inventive combination of contemporary materials worked with customary objects.

Used in performances in Sydney, including Tongan ceremony performed at the opening of "Pirating the Pacific", Sept. 1993.

Ceremonial belt, Kafa (traditionally made in Tonga), glass/plastic/hair/metal, Sela Smith, Australia, 1990-1993.
Black synthetic-braid, loosely looped and sewn into a waist-band onto which is threaded horse-hair strung with a variety of ornaments: white/orange/yellow glass beads; plastic costume jewells and sequins; overlaid by fourteen red star-shaped 'flowers' made from palm-leaf; with a border of yellow, plastic star-shaped beads. Belt tied by was of plaited plastic cord.

Designed: Smith, Sela; Dee Why, New South Wales

Designed: Dee Why Tongan Women's Group; Dee Why, New South Wales

Made: Smith, Sela; Dee Why, New South Wales; 1990 - 1993

Made: Dee Why Tongan Women's Group; Dee Why, New South Wales; 1990 - 1993


Used: Smith, Sela; Sydney

94/265/1

170 mm