Oceania, Papua New Guinea, ca. mid to late 20th century CE. A fine tapa cloth beater, hand-carved from an espresso-hued hard wood. The beater has a short, flared handle and a cylindrical beating head with a narrow top section. A set of three risen bands separate handle from the head. The head of the beater has 9 vertical incised striations meant to evenly flatten the fibers of the tapa bark intended for manufacturing into textiles. Tapa cloths are traditionally made by beating the inner bark of mulberry or similar trees until it is soft and pliable, and then painted using a palette of naturally occurring pigments. This example is a solid, elegant tool used to create true works of art. Size: 2.875" in diameter x 13" H (7.3 cm x 33 cm)
Tapa is a particular kind of bark cloth that is made in the South Pacific Islands - mainly Tonga, Samoa, and Fiji - but also as far afield as Hawaii and Papua New Guinea. Tapa was introduced to the Western world in the late 18th century by Captain Cook's first expedition, where it was collected under the direction of Joseph Banks and brought to Europe. In the South Pacific, Hawaii, and Papua New Guinea, the cloth is still of great social importance and is often given as a gift. Interestingly, it was also once used for everyday clothing before synthetic fabrics replaced it. Today, however, it is worn only at special occasions such as weddings.
Provenance: private Newport Beach, California, USA collection
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#142260
Condition
Surface wear on one side, as well as nicks, scratches, and abrasions, commensurate with use. Otherwise, intact and excellent with lovely patina.