A Papua New Guinea Northern Province tapa cloth with typical ornamentation, mid 20th century or later. The tapa consists of pounded vegetal fibres, decorated with vegetal pigments. Measures ca. 70 x 44 cm. The word tapa stems from Tahiti and the Cook Islands, where Captain Cook was the first European to collect it and introduce it to the rest of the world. The cloth is also known by a number of local names, although the term tapa is international and understood throughout the islands that use the cloth. Tapa cloth (or simply tapa) is a barkcloth made in the islands of the Pacific Ocean, primarily in Tonga, Samoa and Fiji, but as far afield as Hawii, New Zealand, Niue, Cook Islands, Futuna, Vanuatu, Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea. Tapa cloths are made of bark fibers, a type of cloth made from the bast, or inner bark strips of specific trees, mainly the mulberry tree, although several species of breadfruit and fig trees are also used.
 Tapa cloths have undergone a revival in the last couple of years and have become highly collectable, especially the older and vintage pieces. Condition: Overall in good condition, minor folds and a few small holes, usual wear due to age and use. See images. Shipping in tube + carton, with insurance, track & trace