Vintage Polynesian Tapa Bark Cloth – Large Hand Decorated Pacific Tribal Textile
$494.32
Vintage Polynesian Tapa Bark Cloth – Large Hand Decorated Pacific Tribal Textile
A striking and unusually large traditional Polynesian tapa / barkcloth, measuring approximately 140 x 160cm.
Made from beaten plant bark rather than woven textile, the cloth has been decorated in rich earthy brown and cream pigments with bold geometric and stylised motifs. The design incorporates large divided panels, finely patterned leaf/triangular forms, linear decoration and darker circular details.
The reverse clearly reveals the fascinating fibrous construction of the barkcloth, together with the transferred/rubbed decoration and joined sections.
Possibly Tongan (Ngatu) or Samoan (Siapo) in origin, although I have been unable to establish its precise island of manufacture or date, so it is being offered as unidentified Pacific barkcloth.
A wonderfully decorative piece with genuine presence due to its substantial size. It would make an impressive piece of wall art and may also appeal to collectors of Oceanic, Polynesian, Pacific Island and ethnographic art.
Tapa is made by beating the fibrous inner bark of trees, particularly paper mulberry, into sheets, joining them together and decorating them with natural pigments.
Vintage/older condition. Please study all photographs carefully as these form an important part of the description. It has deliberately not been cleaned or restored.
An unusual opportunity to acquire a very large, characterful example of traditional Pacific barkcloth.
Will be sent via 48hr postal service
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