Large Traditional Tongan Tapa Cloth/Hanging

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Made in the 70s, I bought this Tapa cloth (Ngatu) 20 plus years ago while living in Tonga. The Tapa is considered a very important, even sacred, item to the native Tongans and is used for ceremonies, wrapping deities, and has even been used as currency. It is made by women only, who soak and beat the bark of the Mulberry Tree into a flat cloth and is then painted in traditional designs and patterns using natural plant dyes. This particular one was used at a Royal ceremony and depicts the Royal Crest and the Standing Pines which line the beachfront of the King of Tonga’s Palace. It makes a wonderful wall hanging (see the last photo of its sister piece) and is a unique piece of traditional art. It measures 4 x 6 feet, or 124cm x 187cm and is in fantastic condition for its age (has been carefully stored). It can be hung with command strips with no damage, or threaded onto a rod. If interested internationally please do DM me. I only use recycled or sustainable packaging....more

Nuanced

United Kingdom

(15)