Figure 28.—Lashing of collar beams to main purlins:

1, collar beams; 2, thatch rafter; 3, purlin: a, collar beam in position against purlin. The ends of the beam are not cut concave to fit exactly against the purlin but are left square as brought from the carpenters' shed. The spaces above and below the point of contact, as shown by the arrows, are filled in with coconut husk fibre to give the ornamental lashing an even surface to lie on. b, Completed lashing (le sumu o le so'a) as viewed from below. The technical details may be followed in the ridgepole lashing (fig. 14). Here the purlin corresponds to the ridgepole and the collar beam to the main post. Owing to the wider surface of the purlin, the main lozenge figure is worked on it whereas, in the other, it is worked on the wider surface of the main post. The sennit is fixed to the purlin with the usual slip knot and the arrows in the figure show the direction of the first course of the braid. The craftsman has complete control of his work from his position on the scaffolding. He sees to it that the first crossing is in the correct position on the under surface of the purlin and that the second crossing is in a corresponding position on the opposite upper surface. By following the ridgepole technique, the figure shown develops automatically. The lozenge motive is formed on both the lower and upper surfaces of the purlin and extends outwards on the part filled in with coconut husk. The upper figure though not seen from below is necessary for the even development of the lashing. c, Side view not seen from below. A collar of lashing has been made around the beam, holding quite well, but the weight is also carried by the direct lashings to the main post.