A few examples of appraisal values for
TAPA CLOTH

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  Two Vintage Pacific Islands Tapa Cloths - ca. 1970: Pacific Islands, possibly Fiji, Samoa, Hawaii, Tonga, the Cook Islands, or Papua New Guinea, ca. 1970 CE. A stunning pair of tapa cloths presenting multiple nested bands of stylized geometric motifs in a vibrant color palette of black and russet red on the natural beige ground, arranged with a central rectangular/square panel that is surrounded by additional bordering bands of similar motifs. Tapa cloths are still used today for ceremonial occasions - sometimes made into clothing and masks for dances or offerings for marriages and funerals- as well as impressive wall decorations. These examples are particularly impressive for their painstakingly executed decorative programs and vintage age. What's more, they make a wonderful pair with compositions and color schemes that complement one another beautifully. Size: 24. 5" L x 23. 5" W (62. 2 cm x 59. 7 cm) - lighter palette; 26" L x 22. 625" W (66 cm x 57. 5 cm) - darker palette. . According to the curatorial staff at Harvard University's Peabody Museum: "For hundreds of years, tapamaking was one of the most sophisticated plant-fiber technologies in the Pacific Islands. In the eighteenth century and before, tapa served as both daily and ceremonial clothing. It was made into headdresses, turbans, loincloths, sashes, girdles, skirts, and ponchos. The cloth was used for bedcovers, wall dividers, or mosquito curtains as well as for special wrappings of staff gods, for the outer layer of sculptures, for wrapping skulls, and for masks. Individuals were surrounded by tapa at birth, weddings, and death. Special cloths were made for dowries, diplomatic gifts, and treaty agreements. Large-scale accumulation of tapa signified wealth and aided in achieving status. It was also used to pay tribute. Barkcloth material, partially processed or as undecorated sheets, was an important trade item and was exchanged for plaited mats, adzes, whaleteeth, and sandalwood. Eventually, the increased availability of woven cotton cloth made in Asia and Europe led to a significant decline of hand-produced tapa, altered its use, and encouraged further changes in the ways in which tapa was decorated. " (https://www. peabody. harvard. edu/node/2271) . . Provenance: private Poos collection, Overland Park, Kansas, USA; purchased from private collection in 2017 - One of the largest privately held quilt and textile collections in the world, the Poos Collection has evolved over 50 years and through extensive travels to allow for original or point of source acquisition. The collection includes international textiles and garments with an emphasis on West African textiles such as adire, aso oke, kente, and ewe woven prestige cloths as well as Pacific Island textiles like this example. . All items legal to buy/sell under U. S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back. . . A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids. . We ship worldwide and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience. . #145902 Condition Lighter tapa cloth shows a few ink-wash stains. Both show expected fold marks, creases to corners, and some separation to fibers, particularly at fold marks. Darker one has some folds to edges. Painting is still vivid on both.
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  Early 20th C. Papua New Guinea Stone Tapa Beater: Oceania, central/eastern Papua New Guinea, probably Markham Valley region, ca. early 20th century CE. An elegant tapa beater carved from a single piece of stone of warm taupe hues and accompanied by a piece of tapa cloth. The overall form is tubular with rounded ends, and one side of the beater head is incised with overlapping vertical and horizontal striations creating a cross-hatch pattern which aids in the tapa pounding process. Size (beater): 13. 5" L x 2" W (34. 3 cm x 5. 1 cm); (cloth): 15" L x 9" W (38. 1 cm x 22. 9 cm). . Tapa is a bark cloth is of great social importance and is often given as a gift; however, prior to the introduction of synthetic fabrics, it was also used for everyday wear. The process for making it is complex and almost ritualistic. First, the paper mulberry tree is cut, the bark is stripped, and the inner bark retained and sun dried, then soaked. After this, the bark is beaten using a stone tool like this one. The sound of the tapa being beaten creates a rhythmic musical backdrop as the work is being done. The strips are then beaten together using plant starch to form a large sheet; the edges of this sheet are then trimmed using a knife or sharp shell. Then, the piece is sometimes painted using stencils made from coconut. . . Provenance: private Newport Beach, California, USA collection. . All items legal to buy/sell under U. S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back. . . A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids. . We ship worldwide and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience. . #142266 Condition Fraying to peripheries of cloth with areas of discoloration. Nicks and abrasions to beater, otherwise intact with nice natural stone inclusions.
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  19th C. Hawaiian Wood Tapa Beater: North Pacific, Hawaiian Islands, ca. 19th century CE. A lovely carved-wood tapa beater displaying a circular base and a conical handle that expands to an elongated, cuboid body, with a convex, square top. Boasting a lustrous burnish over a warm tan hue, the fine implement is incised with five to twenty-two long, vertical striations on each face of the body intended to evenly flatten the fibers of the tapa bark used for creating textiles. Tapa cloths are traditionally made by beating the inner bark of mulberry or similar trees until it is soft and pliable, and then painted using a palette of naturally-occurring pigments. This example is a solid, elegant tool that was used to create true works of art. Size: 2" W x 16. 125" H (5. 1 cm x 41 cm). . Tapa is a particular kind of bark cloth that is made in the South Pacific Islands - mainly Tonga, Samoa, and Fiji - but also as far afield as Hawaii and New Zealand. Tapa was introduced to the western world in the late 18th century by Captain Cook's first expedition, where it was collected under the direction of Joseph Banks and brought to Europe. In the South Pacific, Hawaii, and New Zealand, the cloth is still of great social importance and is often given as a gift. Interestingly, it was also once used for everyday clothing before synthetic fabrics replaced it; however. today it is worn only at special occasions such as weddings. . . Provenance: private Newport Beach, California, USA collection; ex-private collection, Hilo, Hawaii, USA. . All items legal to buy/sell under U. S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back. . . A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids. . We ship worldwide and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience. . #141429 Condition Collection label on side. Stable fissures throughout and expected surface wear with abrasions, scratches, and staining, all commensurate with age and use. Otherwise, very nice.
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  5PC HAWAIIAN TAPA CLOTHS & GRASS SKIRT Hawaii,19th CenturyIncludes square tapa cloth with no decoration; a tapa with navy blue, purple, brown, and tan geometric patterns; a tapa with brown, red, and white stripes; a tapa decorated with painted geometric designs, and a grass skirt.
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  Late 19th C. Papua New Guinea Wood Tapa Beater: Oceania, Papua New Guinea, ca. late 19th to early 20th century CE. A fine tapa cloth beater, hand-carved from a caramel-hued hard wood. The beater has a lengthy conical handle and a cylindrical beating head with a rounded top. Featuring a petite circular indentation at its peak, the head of the beater is incised with a grid pattern meant to evenly flatten the fibers of the tapa bark intended for creating textiles. Tapa cloths are traditionally made by beating the inner bark of mulberry (or similar trees) until it is soft and pliable, and then painted using a palette of naturally-occurring pigments. This example is a solid, elegant tool used to create true works of art. Size: 2. 75" in diameter x 15. 675" H (7 cm x 39. 8 cm) . . Provenance: private Newport Beach, California, USA collection. . All items legal to buy/sell under U. S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back. . . A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids. . We ship worldwide and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience. . #142258 Condition Expected surface wear and abrasions with stable fissures across handle and head, and some small nicks to head, all commensurate with age and use. Light earthen deposits and fabulous patina throughout.
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  New Guinea Tapa Cloth Skirt: Now framed: 36 1/4 x 63 in. Note: Tapa cloth, is a barkcloth material that is hand-painted and laid to dry by the artisans of the Pacific islands. There are many different methods to decorating these beautiful piece of art. Stamping, rubbing, stenciling, and smoking are a few different ways to get these exotic colors to blend and mix and match. A tapa cloth, was an item given from family to family as a gift, or used in ceremonial events. Condition Fold marks, minor holes with pigment drip marks, and general wear throughout.  Not withstanding this report or any discussion concerning condition of a lot, all lots are offered and sold "as is" in accordance with our conditions of sale.  
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  Large Hawaiian Tapa Bed Cloth, "Kapa Moi," c. mid-19th century, with layered tapa cloth, red pigment on one side, 95 x 76 in.
  Provenance: Ex Catherine and Ralph Metcalf collection, Honolulu.
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  Very large Polynesian Tapa cloth painting Very large Polynesian Tapa cloth painting, 20th c., probably Hawaiian or Samoan, geometric motifs, 41"h x 99"w (sheet), matted and framedProvenance: Property removed from a Meadow Lane, Southampton Estate
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  Group of Four South Pacific Beaten Bark Tapa Cloths, two from Western Samoa, one from Fiji, along with Samoan Barkcloth wrapper, three framed, largest: Group of Four South Pacific Beaten Bark Tapa Cloths, two from Western Samoa, one from Fiji, along with Samoan Barkcloth wrapper, three framed, largest 53" x 53". Condition All lots are sold "AS IS" The condition of lots can vary widely and are unlikely to be in a perfect condition. *No credit card payments will be accepted for silver, gold, or jewelry from buyers that have not purchased from our gallery in the past.
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  Fiji Tapa Art Fiji tapa cloth. Dimensions: 36" x 49.5". Accompanied by receipt, Jack's Handicraft Ltd., 1984. Processing and shipping within the continental U.S. $32.00 plus 1.5% replacement cost insurance. Please note we do not accept credit cards.
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  Fiji Tapa Art: Fiji tapa cloth. Dimensions: 36" x 49. 5". Accompanied by receipt, Jack's Handicraft Ltd. , 1984. Processing and shipping within the continental U. S. $32. 00 plus 1. 5% replacement cost insurance. Please note we do not accept credit cards. Condition Creases secondary to folding otherwise excellent. In ink, "4 x 3" verso.  Witherells strives to provide as much information and photographs as possible but encourages in-person inspection by bidders. Condition statements are only for general guidance and should not be relied upon as complete statements of fact and do not constitute a representation, warranty or assumption of liability by Witherells. All lots are sold "AS IS" under the Terms & Conditions.
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  3PC HAWAIIAN TAPA CLOTHS Hawaii,Early 20th CenturyIncludes a square cloth decorated with four quadrants of brown and rust geometric patterns, a cloth decorated with brown repeating geometric patterns, and a large cloth decorated with brown and tan geometric patterns.
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  FOUR TRIBAL CLOTHS AND A TAPA CLOTH
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  Group of Polynesian Siapo or Tapa Cloth Clothing, Samoan Peoples, incl. 2 dresses, pigmented design, h. 52 5/8 in. and 50 in., w. 35 in. and 40 in.; and 2 vests, blue and red stitching, h. 25 1/2 in. and 25 in., w. 20 in. and 22 1/4 in. (4 pcs.)
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  A 19th century Oceanic hardwood Tapa cloth beater, of square tapering form, three sides with striated incisions, with a faceted end, 12.5in (31.8cm) l.
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  CHAIRS - Pair of French Deco smoking chairs, textured wood surface with African tapa cloth fabric, hammered copper feet, each have left hand pipe drawers in arms. 31 1/2" high, 33" wide, 32" deep, fine condition.
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  Tapa Cloth (Barkcloth)
  Probably Samoan origin. Made from the inner bark of the paper mulberry tree. Three pieces: first is 66" x 52" in excellent condition, undyed border all around; second is 48" x 30" in excellent condition, dyed border on three sides; third is 31" x 16" with a few small holes and some water staining to sides.
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  A large Baining tapa cloth mask, New Britain Island, Papua New Guinea
  height 7ft 11in
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  A rare Tonga Islands wood, fiber and tapa cloth canoe model
  length 38 1/4in, width 22 in
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  A group of Polynesian tapa cloths
  size of largest 14ft. 10in. X 13ft. 4in.
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  BLAKE, TOM. 1902-1994.
  Hawaiian Surfboard. Honolulu: Paradise of the Pacific Press, 1935. Illustrated. 8vo. Original tapa-cloth. Ownership inscription to front pastedown, final several leaves and endpapers with brief dampstain in lower margin, else excellent.
  
  First edition of the first title devoted to surfing. Blake was an early 20th century surfing and health food pioneer who conceived and developed the hollow surf board.
  See illustration.
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  BLAKE, THOMAS EDWARD. 1902-1994.
  Hawaiian Surfboard. Honolulu: Paradise of the Pacific Press, 1935. 95 pp. Halftone plates. 8vo. Original tapa cloth, dust jacket. Slipcase. Lacking front free endpaper, first leaf reattached, jacket with two or three short tears without loss, small chips at spine-ends and corners, damage to surface at foot of spine, crease.
  
  First edition, presentation copy inscribed on front free endpaper to Dan Close and his family, also inscribed on one of the plates. The first definitive book on surfing, by the sport's greatest innovator.
  See illustration.
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  [Artist Book] Gladys Wheat; ''Vistas: University of Missouri: 30 Linoleum Cuts'' (Columbia Miss. by the author 1929) printed and bound 4to signed painted tapa cloth boards Estimate $ 100-150 All property is sold as-is. No condition report is supplied. Prospective buyers should submit an inquiry requesting detailed examination prior to bidding. Back   Inquiry   Email Lot   © Alex Cooper. Images descriptions and condition reports used on this site are originalcopyright material and are not to be reproduced without permission. Forfurther information telephone 410-828-4838 Schedule •  Catalogues •  Archives •  Login •  RegisterAbout Us | Consignors | Buyers | Catalogs | Contact Us | FAQ | Join Our Mailing ListHome | Oriental Rugs | Real Estate Auctions | Alex Cooper's Artfact Page | Alex Cooper Live! Blog908 York Road Towson Maryland 21204Baltimore: (410) 828-4838 | Fax: (410) 828-0875 | Toll-Free: (800) 272-3145antiques@alexcooper.comSite by Fastspot
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  South Seas Tapa Cloth fine panel decor with animals & birds pressed leaves 40'' x 75'' hard to find this large in good condition.
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  South Pacific Tapa Cloth, 76 x 56 in. Estimate $200-300 The absence of a condition statement does not imply that the lot is in perfect condition or completely free from wear and tear, imperfections or the effects of aging. Condition requests can be obtained via email (lot inquiry button) or by telephone to the appropriate gallery location (Boston/617.350.5400 or Marlborough/508.970.3000). Any condition statement given, as a courtesy to a client, is only an opinion and should not be treated as a statement of fact. Skinner Inc. shall have no responsibility for any error or omission.
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  Fijian Tapas Cloths Estimate $100-150 The absence of a condition statement does not imply that the lot is in perfect condition or completely free from wear and tear, imperfections or the effects of aging. Condition requests can be obtained via email (lot inquiry button) or by telephone to the appropriate gallery location (Boston/617.350.5400 or Marlborough/508.970.3000). Any condition statement given, as a courtesy to a client, is only an opinion and should not be treated as a statement of fact. Skinner Inc. shall have no responsibility for any error or omission.
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  NEW GUINEA OBJECTS; Five items: paddle, bowl and figure from the Ramu River region, Tapa cloth North Coast hanging and Abelam Yam Festival head piece, first half of the 20th c.; Largest: 64" Condition Report:
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  TRIBAL ITEMS; Sixteen items include shields, clubs, tapa cloth, dippers, etc., 20th c.; Longest: 42" Condition Report:
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  A FIJI TAPA CLOTH on a rectangular panel with horizontal banding and star decoration, 231 x 71cm
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  Tribal Art. A Samoan or South Sea Island tapa cloth, decorated with turtles, hearts and other geometric devices, 91cm x 59cm
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  Pacific Islander Tapa cloth vest 20th century hand-dyed decorative border within plexiglass frame, 30 1/2 in. H., 24 1/2 in. W., 1 1/2 in. D. Condition: Additional comments added on 5/26/17: We cannot take it out of the frame to photograph the inside or outside, as it would risk damaging the frame. With your permission, we can take it out and ship it to you if you are the winning bidder. There are minor, small holes and stains visible on the front in addition to the already noted blue staining to the top left shoulder. Blue stain upper left shoulder small tears consistent with material
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  20th C. Hawaiian Koa Wood Pig Platter: North Pacific, Hawaii, ca. early 20th century. An impressive and quite sizable platter finely carved from koa wood of an ovoid form. Intended to hold a kalua pig (a pig that has been roasted in an underground oven), this huge dish features a flat base with thick walls that rise gently upwards. The tropical piece's smooth surface boasts a gorgeous natural woodgrain in swirling hues of caramel and butterscotch with chocolate brown striations. Size: 21" W x 47. 125" H (53. 3 cm x 119. 7 cm). . Hawaiian wood dishes, such as this example, were used for serving and storing poi, salting and serving meat, and storing tapa cloth and feathers. It is possible that this dish would have been used at a luau feast, which takes its name from the Hawaiian word for the taro leaf that resembles roasted spinach once steamed for a few hours. The Hawaiian luau began in 1819 when King Kamehameha II removed the religious kapu (taboo) system that restricted women and commoners from eating delicacies and women from eating with men. To introduce the people to this new system, the king performed a symbolic act by inviting women to dine with him, thereby hosting the first luau. The luau feast is traditionally eaten by hand and served on floor mats decorated with large centerpieces made of ti leaves. . According to the Hearst Museum of Anthropology at University of California, Berkeley, "Carvers preferred the wood of the koa (or kou) tree because its grain was relatively soft and easy to cut. Food bowls were carefully carved from hardwoods with stone and later metal tools; some were also hollowed out with fire. Next, the bitterness in the wood was removed by soaking in sea water; the wood was further sweetened by an application of fermented taro or sweet potato. Finally, the bowl was polished with pumice or shark skin, and rubbed to a high gloss with nut oil. This coating helped waterproof the wood, extending its life. ". . Provenance: private Newport Beach, California, USA collection. . All items legal to buy/sell under U. S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back. . . A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids. . We ship worldwide and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience. . #161972 Dimension Condition Vertical stable fissure on both sides. Expected surface wear with light nicks and abrasions as shown. Otherwise, excellent with nice patina.
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  Polynesian Siapo or Tapa Cloth, Samoan Peoples, with blue and red crayon drawing of a house, l. 54 in., w. 72 in.
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  CARVED WOODEN BALINESE CEREMONIAL MASK ON STAND,possibly Rarung, daughter of Randa, Bali. Approx. 30" high. Mounted on a modern metal stand, 68" high with stand. Along with a Polynesian tapa cloth, made from mulberry tree bark. 37" x 48". Features a checkered geometric pattern throughout. Good condition, some minor losses. Mounted on a dowel.
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  MULTI-CULTURAL ART AND TEXTILE ASSORTMENTApproximately (10) items including (2) Ethiopian paintings on canvas, Tonga / Fiji style tapa cloth mounted on reeds between (2) bamboo ends to allow for rolling, a New Guinea painted canvas clubhouse decorative wall tapestry, framed oval textile, landscape print on paper signed lower left and dated 1969 and textiles / textile fragments
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  19th C. Polynesian Samoan Fiber Tapa Eventail: **Originally Listed At $7500**. . Polynesia, Samoa Islands, ca. 19th century CE. A remarkably well-preserved fan, also sometimes known as an eventail, the French word for fan (due to French colonial ventures in Polynesia). The center of the fan is comprised of tapa, a bark cloth made using a painstaking process throughout Polynesia. The tapa is wrapped around a wooden frame that features an opening for a hand hold as well as three hoops that radiate outward in concentric circles from the center, forming a framework for the tapa and a place to attach the fiber. The tapa is painted with pretty red and green dots that accentuate its natural creamy brown color. The handhold has a small piece of trade cotton dyed bright red affixed to it. Radiating outward from the edges of the tapa are dramatic fibers of different lengths, each painstakingly wrapped around the outermost hoop to secure it in place. Size: 24" W x 16" H (61 cm x 40. 6 cm); size of display box: 7. 25" L x 30" W x 25" H (18. 4 cm x 76. 2 cm x 63. 5 cm). . Samoan people, like people everywhere, wore and displayed beautifully made objects, clothing, and jewelry to demonstrate their social status. Men and women carried flywhisks, feathered standards, and fans like this one. . . Provenance: ex-Alan Stone collection, New York City, New York, USA, 1950 to 2000. . All items legal to buy/sell under U. S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back. . . A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids. . PLEASE NOTE: Due to recent increases of shipments being seized by Australian & German customs (even for items with pre-UNESCO provenance), we will no longer ship PLEASE NOTE: Due to recent increases of shipments being seized by Australian & German customs (even for items with pre-UNESCO provenance), we will no longer ship most antiquities and ancient Chinese art to Australia & Germany. For categories of items that are acceptable to ship to Australia or Germany, please contact us directly or work with your local customs brokerage firm. . Display stands not described as included/custom in the item description are for photography purposes only and will not be included with the item upon shipping. . #154644 Condition Wear on surface commensurate with age including some loss to pigment, tiny losses to peripheries, and fading to colors. However, overall it is in excellent condition.
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  Vintage Hawaiian Wooden Tapa Beater: North Pacific, Hawaiian Islands, ca. early 20th century CE. A well-preserved, carved wooden tapa beater with four faces and a tapering, conical handle. Each of the faces is incised. One side has widely-spaced diagonal cross-hatched grooves; two sides have narrow-spaced diagonal cross-hatched grooves; and the fourth side has a diagonal cross-hatched pattern with dots embellishing the center of the diamond-shaped motifs. Tapa is a particular kind of bark cloth that is made in the South Pacific Islands - mainly Tonga, Samoa, and Fiji - but also as far afield as Hawaii and New Zealand. Tapa was introduced to the western world in the late 18th century by Captain Cook's first expedition, where it was collected under the direction of Joseph Banks and brought to Europe. In the South Pacific, Hawaii, and New Zealand, the cloth is still of great social importance and is often given as a gift. Interestingly, it was also once used for everyday clothing before synthetic fabrics replaced it; however. today it is worn only at special occasions such as weddings. Size: 15. 5" L x 1. 5" W (39. 4 cm x 3. 8 cm) . . Provenance: private Newport Beach, California, USA collection. . All items legal to buy/sell under U. S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back. . . A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids. . We ship worldwide and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience. . #141417 Condition Abrasions and loss to upper corners of two faces and losses and abrasion to center of a face. Stable hairline crack across one face. Stable pressure cracks around drilled dots. Chips and nicks to peripheries. Traces of sticker residue from old inventory labels. Lovely patina and signs of use!
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  20th C. Hawaiian Wood Tapa Beater: **First Time At Auction**. . North Pacific, Hawaiian Islands, 20th century CE. A well-preserved, carved wooden tapa beater with four flat faces and a tubular handle. Each of the faces is incised with an attractive pattern. One presents with narrowly spaced striations; another with rows of zigzag motifs separated by linear striations; another has a perfect geometric grid pattern; the fourth side features a repeating diamond pattern with dots adorning the centers of each diamond. Tapa is a particular kind of bark cloth that is made in the South Pacific Islands - mainly Tonga, Samoa, and Fiji - but also as far afield as Hawaii and New Zealand. Tapa was introduced to the western world in the late 18th century by Captain Cook's first expedition, where it was collected under the direction of Joseph Banks and brought to Europe. In the South Pacific, Hawaii, and New Zealand, the cloth is still of great social importance and is often given as a gift. Interestingly, it was also once used for everyday clothing before synthetic fabrics replaced it; however. today it is worn only at special occasions such as weddings. Size: 17. 625" L x 2. 25" W (44. 8 cm x 5. 7 cm) . . Provenance: private Newport Beach, California, USA collection. . All items legal to buy/sell under U. S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back. . . A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids. . We ship worldwide and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience. . #141425 Condition Stable crack radiating from handle to top of one face. Nicks, chips, and small losses to peripheries. Rich, dark patina!
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  19th C. New Caledonian Kanak Wood Tapa Beater: Oceania, New Caledonia, Kanak, ca. early 20th century CE. A wooden tapa beater, used for making cloth, hand-made from tropical hardwood with a rich red-brown hue. A cylindrical handle forms one end of the object, which then widens to form a wider beating surface, the sides of which are tightly incised with vertical lines. Tapa is a particular kind of bark cloth that is made in the South Pacific Islands, mainly Tonga, Samoa, and Fiji, but also as far afield as Hawaii and New Zealand. Tapa was introduced to the western world in the late 18th century by Captain Cook's first expedition, where it was collected under the direction of Joseph Banks and brought to Europe. In Polynesian society, the cloth is of great social importance and is often given as a gift; however, prior to the introduction of synthetic fabrics, it was also used for everyday wear. Today it is worn only at special occasions such as weddings. Size: 2. 65" W x 10. 1" H (6. 7 cm x 25. 7 cm); 12" H (30. 5 cm) on included custom stand. . . Provenance: private Hawaii, USA collection; ex-Michael Evans collection, New Zealand, 2009. . All items legal to buy/sell under U. S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back. . . A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids. . We ship worldwide and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience. . #153886 Condition Extensive wear on surface, notably on one side, including some fissures and losses from the pounding motion. However, form is nicely preserved, with a rich patina. Old collection label low on handle.
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  Polynesian Tapas lot of 3 one tapa has been cut into two smaller pieces 30.25 x 57 in.; AND a larger piece 59 x 57 in. Lot accompanied by handwritten note: TAPA is cloth made from fibrous?bark. Polynesian in origin - This was given by a teacher to Blanche Verbeck. ?The friend lived and taught i Hawaii many years from 1920's to ? This is pre World War II TAPA.? Condition: Couple corner folds; couple small tears in creases where folded.
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  TAPA BARK CLOTH
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  Framed Tapa Panel Painted bark cloth Pacific island region Rectangular panel painted with geometric patterns with stylized leaves and flowers, 72 1/4 x 39 1/4 in., overall.
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  OCEANIC TAPA PAINTED BARK CLOTH mounted for hanging to a back support - h:36 w:72 in. Provenance: Estate of Charlotte Deering McCormick
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  A Fijian Tapa bark cloth, mid-20th century, with geometric patterning overall, the reverse with applied presentation plaque 'To Mrs G.K. Roth from girls of Adi Cakobay school 1957', stretched over a wooden frame 250cm x 70cm.