Tapa Cloth Item Number: 2623/48 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Description
The cloth is natural coloured and rectangular with a centred band and a repeating motif. The motif is a symetrical starburst-like design repeated four times within the large band. The border and the large lines of the design are light brown. The small details, dots and wavy lines are gray. The cloth is painted on one side.
Narrative
This tapa appears to be from the Collingwood Bay area, likely made by Maisin women. The design is known as “damana” (star). Maisin cloth is widely sold in Papua New Guinea, not least in the Orokaiva area. Fewer people there are currently making traditional bark cloth, so they purchase Maisin cloth for ceremonial dress.
Item History
- Made in Oro, Papua New Guinea
- Collected in Sirorata, Oro, Papua New Guinea
- Owned by Abraham Ross and Susan Ross before April 20, 2004
- Received from Abraham Ross (Donor) and Susan Ross (Donor) on April 20, 2004
What
- Name
- Tapa Cloth
- Identification Number
- 2623/48
- Type of Item
- tapa cloth
- Material
- paper mulberry bark and paint
- Overall
- height 164.0 cm, width 96.0 cm
Who
- Culture
- Maisin
- Previous Owner
- Abraham Ross and Susan Ross
- Received from
- Abraham Ross (Donor) and Susan Ross (Donor)
Where
- Holding Institution
- MOA: University of British Columbia
- Made in
- Oro, Papua New Guinea
- Collected in
- Sirorata, Oro, Papua New Guinea
When
- Ownership Date
- before April 20, 2004
- Acquisition Date
- on April 20, 2004
Other
- Item Classes
- textiles
- Condition
- good
- Accession Number
- 2623/0048