South Pacific Islands, ca. early 20th century CE. This is a beautifully designed, fairly unique piece of art -- a tapa bark cloth, made from trees endemic to the Oceanic islands -- initially, the dye-fig followed by the paper mulberry tree, which was introduced to the South Pacific from Southeast Asia at an unknown point in the past. The painted decorations are in two tones, and the swirling, geometric designs will instantly remind you of being on a warm beach in the tropics. Tapa is a particular kind of bark cloth that is made in the South Pacific Islands, mainly Tonga, Samoa, and Fiji, but also as far afield as Hawaii and New Zealand. Tapa was introduced to the western world by Captain Cook's expedition, who collected it and brought it to Europe. The cloth is of great social importance and is often given as a gift, but it once (before synthetic fabrics replaced it) was used as everyday wear; today it is worn only at special occasions such as weddings. We also have a complementary piece that is #113766. Size: 30" W x 26" H (76.2 cm x 66 cm)

Provenance: Ex - Private Batek family collection acquired in Peru in the early 1960's then handed down through 3 generations.

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#113765

Expected wear; this piece is fragile but design is extremely clear.