A folk group can be defined as family of people who have shared knowledge of beliefs, language, and behavior that inform how people should interact with others (Sims and Stephens 2011, 31). Tongan weaving was historically only done by women of high status, but that folk group has extended to all Tongan women and a few of men. A lot of the shared knowledge among women is the weaving technique as well as stories of their mothers and ancestors. Through weaving, women held the power to craft very valuable items that can be classified into three groups. One group is made up of mats, barkcloth, and coconut oil, the other made up of decorated baskets for nobility, and the third made up of things such as spears and canoes (Veys 2017). Koloa is the term for the first two groups, which can be defined as prestigious objects that are valued by Tongans (Veys 2017).  The value of koloa corresponds to the value of women because they materialize many of these treasured items with distinct skill. Although all Tongan textile wealth can be perceived to be gendered around femininity, it displays the strength of women and the love they put into their work (Veys 2017). Because so much time and emotions are put into these items which are significant to many of the sacred aspects of Tongan culture, women are the thread that keep this society's history and culture woven together.  

Source: 

Veys, Fanny Wonu. 2017. "Capturing the 'Female Essence': textile Wealth in Tonga." In Sinuous Objects: Revaluing Women's Wealth in the Contemporary Pacific, edited by Hermkens Anna-Karina and Lepani, Katherine. Australia: ANU Press, 185-210. 

Sims, Martha and Martin Stephens. 2011. Living Folklore: An Introduction to the Study of People and Their Traditions. Utah State University Press. See esp. chap. 2, "Groups."

Performance is an expressive activity that requires participation and heightens enjoyment of an experience with a recognized setting and performers (Sims and Stephens 2011, 131).  Tongan weavers are aware that they have to be in a housing structure and around the company of other women and children as a part of performing this art. In addition, being around other women and weaving helps to build the group's sense of identity.  The women are a separate group from the men in Tongan society because of the different tasks they perform. Group identity doesn't only depend on how they interact with those in the group but with other groups as well (Sims and Stephens 2011, 36). The women understand that their identity is built upon this shared experience of weaving and it is important to the folklore because of the tradition and history it encompasses. 

Source:

Sims, Martha and Martin Stephens. 2011. Living Folklore: An Introduction to the Study of People and Their Traditions. Utah State University Press. See esp. chap. 5, "Performance."