**Originally Listed At $1000**

Oceania, Polynesia, Fijian Islands, ca. 19th century CE. A stunning example of a tapa beater that is hand-carved from lustrous, burgundy-hued wood. The columnar implement features a thick, sturdy handle with a rounded tip, a rectangular head with overhanging lower edges and a tapered upper body, and a gently rounded upper tip. Each face of the pounding head is incised with a series of concentric vertical striations that spread the force of each hit evenly across the delicate tapa bark. Tapa beaters like this example were used when pounding bark from the tapa tree into pliable panels for garment creation. Covered in beautiful layers of dark red and brown patina, this is a fabulous utilitarian example from the Fijian Islands! Size: 2.1" W x 14" H (5.3 cm x 35.6 cm); 14.7" H (37.3 cm) on included custom stand.

Cf. The Museum of New Zealand (Te Papa Tongarewa), registration number FE001138

Provenance: private Hawaii, USA collection, 1995 to 2010

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#168425

Small chips and stable hairline fissures to handle and beater head commensurate with age and use, with softening to some incised striations on beater head, otherwise intact and excellent. Wonderful patina throughout. Old inventory label on bottom of handle.