Bark cloth
Production date
Unknown
Country
Vanuatu
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Object detail
Description
Bark cloth, long and narrow. The cloth has no distinguishing marks to indicate which is the top surface and which is the reverse.
Maker
Production date
Unknown
Production place
Measurements
L1200 x W400mm
Media/Materials description
Bark cloth
History and use
Bark Cloth is known as TAPA in Vanuatu. This cloth is blank.
Tapa, ngatu, kapa, masi, lepau and siapo are names used across the Pacific for barkcloth. Each place and people has their own unique way for making their barkcloth. Some are made by women but in some place men also make bark cloth.
The use of tapa is also a way for people from the Pacific Islands diaspora to continue their alignment and identification with island practices.
Tapa can be used in everyday life as a wall divider, curtain, tablecloth, decorative wall hanging, place mat, blanket or can be worn in a style of an apron, cape, poncho, skirt, hat and bags.
Tapa is also used for special ceremonies like births, initiations, deaths and marriages. It is also used during celebrations at special family gatherings like homecomings, feasting, at community meetings, and graduations. Many Islanders consider tapa an important element in the practice of gift giving.
Tapa, ngatu, kapa, masi, lepau and siapo are names used across the Pacific for barkcloth. Each place and people has their own unique way for making their barkcloth. Some are made by women but in some place men also make bark cloth.
The use of tapa is also a way for people from the Pacific Islands diaspora to continue their alignment and identification with island practices.
Tapa can be used in everyday life as a wall divider, curtain, tablecloth, decorative wall hanging, place mat, blanket or can be worn in a style of an apron, cape, poncho, skirt, hat and bags.
Tapa is also used for special ceremonies like births, initiations, deaths and marriages. It is also used during celebrations at special family gatherings like homecomings, feasting, at community meetings, and graduations. Many Islanders consider tapa an important element in the practice of gift giving.
Registration number
E5768
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