ULUCAVU

Ulumate (Wig)
The Ulucavu is a headpiece or wig. The wig consists of human hair (drau ni ulu) that's has been tightly bunched and secured onto a frame of thick magimagi (coconut sennet). The wig is woven into the frame by a master weaver. It was worn by men to signify a period of mourning. The Ulucavu is word until the hair beneath grew back.
In this artistic interpretation that is inspired by the concept of the Ulucavu, the dancers portray the Ulucavu as a fighting warrior wig where the hair woven in the wig was from slain enemies of wars. The dancers are seen reenacting battles from the past and showcasing the hair symbolic to holding Mana that helps give strength to a young warrior to help slay his enemies.
This work was commissioned by the LA Museum to make contemporary artistic responses to their Fijian exhibition currently on display.
The creators would also like to thank Daren Kamali who assisted us in the research process into the historical and cultural uses of the Ulucavu.