Tapa Cloth, 1800-1825
Unknown artist, United Statesexpand_more
Bark, pigmentexpand_more
The Paul C. Johnson, Jr. Fundexpand_more 2000.25.2
Not on Viewexpand_more
Barkcloth (tapa) was made throughout Oceania and used in the same context as woven fabric. To make the cloth, the inner bark of a mulberry tree was harvested, soaked, and beaten with a short club.
Historically, bold hand-painted patterns were common on Hawaiian tapa, but by the nineteenth century decoration had moved toward smaller, more elaborate designs. New metal tools, introduced after Euro-American contact, made it possible for Hawaiian artists to create intricate bamboo dye stamps. The artist of this barkcloth arranged hundreds of individual impressions in a linear pattern around the border of the cloth.
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Details
- Title
- Tapa Cloth
- Role
- Artist
- Accession Number
- 2000.25.2
- Curator Approved
This record is from historic documentation and may not have been reviewed by a curator, so may be inaccurate or incomplete. Our records are frequently revised and enhanced. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please email collectionsdata@artsmia.org.
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