Tapa Cloth Item Number: 1060/79 a from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Description
Large rectangular bark cloth with designs in red-brown, brown and black, on the natural coloured ground. The designs consist of rows of triangles inside rectangles, with various motifs inside the triangles. There are also three narrow bands--one at each end, and one off-centre.
History Of Use
The documentation from the Sisters of Saint Ann Museum says this is a "chief's loin robe; no commoner could wear such a piece."
Narrative
The tapa was collected by Warren Bell of Vancouver in 1934, according to old documentation from the Sisters of Saint Ann museum.
Specific Techniques
Tapa designs are made using stencils.
Item History
- Made in Fiji before 1934
- Owned by Sisters of Saint Ann Museum
- Owned by B.C. Provincial Museum before September 6, 1985
- Received from B.C. Provincial Museum (Transferring institution) on September 6, 1985
What
- Name
- Tapa Cloth
- Identification Number
- 1060/79 a
- Type of Item
- tapa cloth
- Material
- mulberry bark and paint
- Overall
- height 163.0 cm, width 126.0 cm
Who
- Culture
- Fijian
- Previous Owner
- Sisters of Saint Ann Museum and B.C. Provincial Museum
- Received from
- B.C. Provincial Museum (Transferring institution)
Where
- Holding Institution
- MOA: University of British Columbia
- Made in
- Fiji
When
- Creation Date
- before 1934
- Ownership Date
- before September 6, 1985
- Acquisition Date
- on September 6, 1985
Other
- Item Classes
- textiles
- Condition
- fair
- Accession Number
- 1060/0079 a