triangular fragment decorated with rust-red and dark brown geometric stamps in 4 repeated rows on 2 sides; beige ground

Tapa Cloth, 1800-1825

Unknown artist, expand_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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Hawai, Tapa Cloth (#206)
Details
Title
Tapa Cloth
Role
Artist
Accession Number
2000.25.2
Curator Approved

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triangular fragment decorated with rust-red and dark brown geometric stamps in 4 repeated rows on 2 sides; beige ground