Reviving ‘ulu cavu’: the Fijian wig-making custom

iTaukei artist Daren Kamali grew his hair for 25 years and had it made into a wig. But why?

Centuries ago, Fijian men in mourning would cut their hair and use it to make ulu cavu, or wigs. They’d be worn until the hair beneath had grown back to its former length.

The practice was lost with colonisation, but is now on the comeback.

Kamali, along with fellow artist Ole Maiava and revered weaver Joana Monolagi, have formed The Ulumate Project - hoping to bring back ulu cavu into consciousness.

Earlier this week, the trio shared insights in a talanoa at Auckland Museum.

Next to them sat an ulu cavu made of Kamali’s own hair, harvested since 1997.

Before Kamali had his ulu cavu crafted by Monolagi, the pair sought advice from the Ministry of iTaukei Affairs and Fiji Museum.

They also travelled with Maiava to view ulu cavu held at the University of East Anglea in the UK.

Monolagi completed the creation of the contemporary wig, using magimagi (coconut sennit) and vau (hibiscus stem).

Cutting your hair only to wear it again as a wig isn’t new. Of course there is the Samoan tuiga, the jewel in the crown of a taupou doing her taualuga.

The sacredness of hair pertains to one’s head, the closest body part to heaven and also where all thinking is made.

Kamali says his ulu cavu is something he can pass onto his sons, and their sons thereafter.

You can see it for yourself at Auckland Central Library in October.

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