Tapa Cloth Item Number: C933 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Description
The tapa cloth is natural in colour with designs in greyish-dark green. There are two repeating designs: a human-like figure with a long body and a shape resembling a sideways 'H'. The figures are repeated in rows, on one side of the cloth.
History Of Use
Barkcloth, commonly known as tapa, is one of the most distinctive products of the diverse cultures of the Pacific Islands. The name is derived from the Samoan word tapa, which means the undecorated edge of a piece of barkcloth, and the Hawaiian word kapa, a variety of barkcloth. Tapa was probably brought to the Pacific Islands thousands of years ago by the ancestors. No important occasion is complete without the presence of tapa, and those who make it continue to generate techniques and designs that serve both utilitarian and ceremonial purposes.
Specific Techniques
The indigo pigment used is called pau (wild indigo).
Item History
- Made in Santa Isabel, Solomon Islands during 1909
- Collected during 1909
- Owned by Frank Burnett before 1927
- Received from Frank Burnett (Donor) on July 25, 1927
What
- Name
- Tapa Cloth
- Identification Number
- C933
- Type of Item
- tapa cloth
- Material
- banyon tree bark, paint and indigo pigment
- Manufacturing Technique
- stamped
- Overall
- height 303.0 cm, width 87.0 cm
Who
- Culture
- Solomon Islands
- Previous Owner
- Frank Burnett
- Received from
- Frank Burnett (Donor)
Where
- Holding Institution
- MOA: University of British Columbia
- Made in
- Santa Isabel, Solomon Islands
When
- Creation Date
- during 1909
- Collection Date
- during 1909
- Ownership Date
- before 1927
- Acquisition Date
- on July 25, 1927
Other
- Item Classes
- textiles
- Condition
- good
- Current Location
- Case 60
- Accession Number
- 2191/1236