**Originally Listed At $600**

Pacific Islands, Tonga, ca. early to mid-20th century CE. A very large tapa cloth with 2 national seals or coats of arms of Tonga, each with iconography that demonstrates the influence of the European Christian missionaries on the indigenous peoples of Tonga. Notice the doves and crosses, as well as the olive wreaths, quatrefoils, and royal crowns. In addition, the country's motto is inscribed near the bottom, reading "OTUA MO TONGA KO HOKU TOFIA" translating to "God and Tonga are my inheritance." Finally, four panels presenting lovely floral and star motifs flank the coat of arms panels. 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. An early testimony to the Christian faith in Tonga, this impressive piece represents a new phase in the history of tapa making in Tonga, as it was inspired by the missionaries' sermons and conversions of the Tonga people. Size: 38" W x 35.75" H (96.5 cm x 90.8 cm)

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."

Provenance: private Newport Beach, California, USA collection; ex-private Hilo, Hawaii, USA collection

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#152624

Normal tears, fraying, and losses to peripheries. Cloth is made from two layers, and there are some areas of separation evident at the peripheries. A few perforations in the body of the composition. Expected fold marks and creases.