Textile (2) - 33 cm - 31 cm - Ngatu and Siapo

2x Rare Tapa barkcloth fragments; Tonga & Samoa from the second half of the 20th century

Two authentic fragments of traditional Tapa cloths (barkcloth) from Polynesia. These handmade textiles come from a well-kept collection and date to the second half of the 20th century. Tapa cloths are produced by pounding the inner bark of the paper mulberry tree and are deeply rooted in the ceremonial culture of the Pacific.

1x Tonga Tapa Fragment (Ngatu); The square element (about 33 x 31 cm) shows the typical warm coloration and hand-painted line work of Tonga. This is a cut from an originally very large ceremonial cloth (Ngatu), which can often be many meters long. The motifs frequently represent floral elements or symbols of the royal family.

1x Samoa Tapa Fragment (Siapo); The rectangular piece with the distinctive geometric patterns (about 42.5 x 20 cm) presumably originates from Samoa. The local tradition, called Siapo, is characterized by strong graphic contrasts and the use of natural pigments. The geometric patterns are often abstract representations from nature, such as leaves or ocean waves.

Both fragments are in good, age-appropriate vintage condition. The edges are typical for cutouts from larger sheets. The texture is firm and the pigments are well preserved. For the rectangular Tapa fragment, the barkcloth layer has slightly separated at one corner (see photos), but the colors have been preserved.

These pieces are excellent for collectors of ethnographic art or for framing as exclusive wall decor. Age-appropriate signs of wear.