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THBEarly 20th C. Tongan Tapa Cloth w/ Christian Motifs
Lot 304
About Seller
Artemis Gallery
686 S Taylor Ave, Ste 106
Louisville, CO 80027
United States
Selling antiquities, ancient and ethnographic art online since 1993, Artemis Gallery specializes in Classical Antiquities (Egyptian, Greek, Roman, Near Eastern), Asian, Pre-Columbian, African / Tribal / Oceanographic art. Our extensive inventory includes pottery, stone, metal, wood, glass and textil...Read more
Live Auction in Progress ... Currently on Lot Estimate:
$1,000 - $1,500
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About Auction
Live
By Artemis Gallery
Jul 22, 2021
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2021-07-22 10:00:00
2021-07-22 10:00:00
America/New_York
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Travel around the world and back in time...and be amazed at the treasures you will find! Antiquities from Egypt, Greece, Italy and the Near East, Asian, Pre-Columbian, African / Tribal / Oceanic, Native American, Spanish Colonial, Russian Icons, Fossils, Fine Art, much more! Artemis Gallery info@artemisgallery.com
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- Lot Description
Pacific Islands, Tonga, ca. early to mid 20th century CE. A very large tapa cloth with iconography that demonstrates the influence of the Christian missionaries on the indigenous peoples of Tonga. Notice the doves and crosses, as well as the skull (perhaps a reference to Golgotha), and apple (perhaps a reference to Old Testament Adam and Eve) featured in the two central coat of arms panels. In addition, these panels include an inscription that appears to read: OTOA MO TOGA KOHOKU TOFIA. Finally, four panels presenting lovely floral and star motifs flank the coat of arms panels. Tapa cloths are still used today for ceremonial occasions - sometimes made into clothing and masks for dances or offerings for marriages and funerals - as well as impressive wall decorations. An early testimony to the Christian faith in Tonga, this impressive piece represents a new phase in the history of tapa making in Tonga, as it is was inspired by the missionaries' sermons and conversions of the Tonga people. Size: 38" W x 35.75" H (96.5 cm x 90.8 cm)
According to the curatorial staff at Harvard University's Peabody Museum: "For hundreds of years, tapamaking was one of the most sophisticated plant-fiber technologies in the Pacific Islands. In the eighteenth century and before, tapa served as both daily and ceremonial clothing. It was made into headdresses, turbans, loincloths, sashes, girdles, skirts, and ponchos. The cloth was used for bedcovers, wall dividers, or mosquito curtains as well as for special wrappings of staff gods, for the outer layer of sculptures, for wrapping skulls, and for masks. Individuals were surrounded by tapa at birth, weddings, and death. Special cloths were made for dowries, diplomatic gifts, and treaty agreements. Large-scale accumulation of tapa signified wealth and aided in achieving status. It was also used to pay tribute. Barkcloth material, partially processed or as undecorated sheets, was an important trade item and was exchanged for plaited mats, adzes, whaleteeth, and sandalwood. Eventually, the increased availability of woven cotton cloth made in Asia and Europe led to a significant decline of hand-produced tapa, altered its use, and encouraged further changes in the ways in which tapa was decorated."
Provenance: private Newport Beach, California, USA collection; ex-private Hilo, Hawaii, USA collection
All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.
A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.
PLEASE NOTE: Due to recent increases of shipments being seized by Australian & German customs (even for items with pre-UNESCO provenance), we will no longer ship most antiquities and ancient Chinese art to Australia & Germany. For categories of items that are acceptable to ship to Australia, please contact us directly or work with your local customs brokerage firm.
#152624Normal tears, fraying, and losses to peripheries. Cloth is made from two layers, and there are some areas of separation evident at the peripheries. A few perforations in the body of the composition. Expected fold marks and creases.Condition
- Shipping Info
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