As the majority of inhabitants are practicing Christians, Christmas is an essential festival on the atolls of Tokelau. This element of Tokelauan culture is reflected in their national badge – a tuluma that bears a white cross, and an inscription that reads ‘Tokelau mo te Atua’ (Tokelau for God).
Issue information
Tuluma are wooden boxes used by the fishermen of Tokelau to keep their fishing tackle and other items dry while at sea. They are some of the most valuable family possessions in the Tokelau community. Carved in many shapes and sizes, tuluma are also used in the household, and can be offered as gifts.
Tokelau’s 2019 Christmas issue featured a variety of tuluma in their various forms, embellished with a whimsical Christmas sparkle.
Product listing for Tokelau Christmas 2019
| Image | Title | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
Single Stamp |
Single 45c gummed stamp. Tuluma come in all shapes and sizes. Medium sized tuluma might hold fishing gear or be used to store household items. |
$0.45 |
 |
Single Stamp |
Single $1.40 gummed stamp. Most tuluma in Tokelau are made from the wood of the kanava tree. They are expertly carved to have water-tight lids. |
$1.40 |
 |
Single Stamp |
Single $2.00 gummed stamp. The smallest tuluma can be held in one hand. They can be given as gifts and souvenirs to visitors. |
$2.00 |
 |
Single Stamp |
Single $3.00 gummed stamp. Not only can tuluma contain treasures – they are a treasure of Tokelauan heritage. |
$3.00 |
 |
Miniature Sheet | Mint, used or cancelled gummed miniature sheet. | $6.85 |
 |
First Day Cover | First day cover with four gummed stamps affixed. Cancelled on the first day of issue. | $7.35 |
 |
Miniature Sheet First Day Cover | First day cover with gummed miniature sheet affixed. | $7.35 |
Technical information
| Date of issue: | 4 December 2019 |
|---|---|
| Number of stamps: | Four gummed stamps |
| Denominations: | 45c, $1.40, $2.00 & $3.00 |
| Stamps, miniature sheet and first day covers designed by: | Saint Andrew Matautia, New Zealand Post, Wellington, New Zealand |
| Printer: | Collectables and Solutions Centre, New Zealand Post, Whanganui, New Zealand |
| Number of colours: | Four process colours |
| Stamp size and format: | 30mm x 40mm (vertical) |
| Paper type: | Tullis Russell 104gsm red phosphor gummed stamp paper |
| Number of stamps per sheet: | 16 |
| Perforation gauge: | 13.33 |
| Special blocks: | Plate blocks and value blocks could be obtained by purchasing at least six stamps from a sheet. |
| Period of sale: | These stamps remained on sale until 3 December 2020. |