Ceremonial hanging

This beaded ceremonial hanging, known as ‘palepai’, features a row of tree-of-life motifs. It is beaded on rattan foundations and is framed by shells. Such palepai made from beads and shells are very rare. This palepai is probably used as a hanging during ceremonial occasions, while smaller beaded ceremonial cloth were said to be gifts to the bride from the bridegroom, and placed near the bride during wedding.