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Tupenu is theTongan term for a wrapped garment also called asarong,lungi, orlava-lava, worn through much ofSouth Asia,Southeast Asia,Arabian Peninsula, theHorn of Africa andOceania. It is analogous to thekilt worn inScotland.
The tupenu worn by women is wide enough to cover the body between the waist and ankles, and long enough to wrap securely around the waist. The standard width of cloth yardage (45 inches) is generally wide enough, so a tupenu can be made in a matter of minutes by cutting and wrapping cloth from the bolt. Women wear a knee-length dress, orkofu, over the tupenu. On dress occasions, women wear matching kofu and tupenu, sewn from the same yardage. Fancy tupenus are often slightly tailored, with darts sewn into the top, so that they will fit the body more closely. On ceremonial occasions, women wear ata'ovala, or finely wovenpandanus mat, over the kofu and tupenu. Thekiekie, a kind of grass or stringskirt, is an acceptable, comfortable alternative to the ta'ovala on most occasions.[1]
The tupenu worn by men is wide enough to cover the body between the waist and knees, and long enough to wrap securely around the waist. For work and casual wear, any piece of cloth will do. On dress occasions, men will wear tailored tupenu like Western wrap skirts made fromsuit material. These tupenu coordinate with Western suit-jackets. Usually, the formal tupenu will be covered with ata'ovala worn as a sign of respect. The man's ta'ovala is analogous to the Westernnecktie.