Tapa cloth - ngatu - Tonga
08
days
16
hours
34
minutes
57
seconds
Starting bid
€ 1
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Selected by Surya Rutten
Has over 25 years' experience in Asian art and owned an art gallery.
Estimate € 200 - € 300
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Tonga-origin tapa cloth (ngatu), 97 cm high by 65 cm wide, made from bark of the paper mulberry, dating to the mid 20th century and in excellent condition, sold from a private collection.
AI-assisted summary
Description from the seller
I offer an authentic, vintage tapa cloth (also known as ngatu in Tonga or siapo in Samoa), handcrafted using traditional methods from the Pacific Islands. This substantial piece of tribal textile art is made from the inner bark of the paper mulberry tree, a non-woven material created through a labor-intensive process of soaking and beating the bark into flat sheets.
The textile features bold, hand-painted geometric designs in natural pigments of black and warm earth-brown tones. The repeating triangular and linear patterns are characteristic of traditional Pacific Island motifs, which often hold symbolic meaning related to nature and cultural heritage.
Material: 100% genuine barkcloth (paper mulberry bark) and natural pigments.
Origin: Tongan
Design: Distinctive black and brown hand-painted geometric patterns.
Condition: Good vintage condition, showing natural texture and minor imperfections consistent with age and traditional handmade production.
This is a beautiful, cultural artifact perfect for wall hanging, framing, or as a unique decorative accent in a home or tiki-themed decor.
I obtained this item in a private sale and was told this was purchased in the mid 20th century but a precise date of origin is not known.
I offer an authentic, vintage tapa cloth (also known as ngatu in Tonga or siapo in Samoa), handcrafted using traditional methods from the Pacific Islands. This substantial piece of tribal textile art is made from the inner bark of the paper mulberry tree, a non-woven material created through a labor-intensive process of soaking and beating the bark into flat sheets.
The textile features bold, hand-painted geometric designs in natural pigments of black and warm earth-brown tones. The repeating triangular and linear patterns are characteristic of traditional Pacific Island motifs, which often hold symbolic meaning related to nature and cultural heritage.
Material: 100% genuine barkcloth (paper mulberry bark) and natural pigments.
Origin: Tongan
Design: Distinctive black and brown hand-painted geometric patterns.
Condition: Good vintage condition, showing natural texture and minor imperfections consistent with age and traditional handmade production.
This is a beautiful, cultural artifact perfect for wall hanging, framing, or as a unique decorative accent in a home or tiki-themed decor.
I obtained this item in a private sale and was told this was purchased in the mid 20th century but a precise date of origin is not known.
Details
Indigenous object name
ngatu
No. of items
1
Country of Origin
Tonga
Period
Mid 20th century
Material
Bark (mulberry)
Sold with stand
No
Condition
Excellent condition
Title of artwork
Tapa cloth
Height
97 cm
Width
65 cm
Provenance
Private collection
Sold by
