Mat laid over Robert Louis Stevenson

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This mat belonged to Tupuola, chief of Tanugamanono which is a small inland village in Upolu in Samoa. He laid it on the body of Robert Louis Stevenson in 1894.

This mat is made with leaves and parrot feathers.

Robert Louis Stevenson, 1850-94, moved to Samoa in 1889. His sympathetic support for the Samoan islanders brought their lasting regard and criticism from the British authorities. Some of his most exciting work was produced at this time.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-000-099-982-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: Innovators and Innovations (multimedia essay)
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  A.1897.188.1
• Date: 19th century
  
• Material: Robe, chief's
  
• Dimensions: 1524 mm x 1333 mm
  
• What: Robe, chief's
  
• Subject: Clothing and personal ornaments
  
• Who: Robert Louis Stevenson (robe used at his funeral)
  Tupuola, chief of Tanugamanono (presenter)
  
• Where: Polynesia, Samoa, Upolu, Tanugamanono
  
• Event: The funeral of Robert Louis Stevenson
  
• Description: Chief's robe made of leaves with border of parrot feathers and fringed on two sides: Polynesian, Samoa, Upolu, Tanugamanono
  
• References:
  • Calder, Jenni (ed.). Treasure Islands: a Robert Louis Stevenson centenary anthology. Edinburgh: National Museums of Scotland, 1994
• Translations:
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