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Object Number 32-62-70/D4113
Display Title Tapa
Descriptions
Indigenous Term Tapa or Kapa
Object Description Fine white single layer of beaten tapa, appears to be a masi vulavula (Fijian) A light weight, diaphanous, finely pounded cloth formed from a single layer of off-white colored inner bark. Manufacture related fold creases traverse the width of the piece approximately every 1.5 to 3.0 cm. Three of the four pounded edges have been fringed; one of the short and two of the long sides. The edge of the remaining short side is pounded very thin and is scalloped and irregular. Several natural holes from branches and other extremely thin areas occur throughout the cloth. No beater impressions are evident, except for a series of regularly spaced linear elements that occur towards one side of the thicker end of the cloth. No surface decoration has been applied. Cloth has appearance of a Fijian masi vulavula.
Inventory Description Tapa, fine buff, transluscent, fringed edge, horizontal folds, holes, irregular
Classification
  • Tapa
Department Ethnographic
Culture
  • Hawaiian
Geography/Provenience/Site Name
Oceania / United States / Hawaii
Dimensions Overall: 109 x 74 cm (42 15/16 x 29 1/8 in.)
Quantity 1
Label on object 32-62-70/D4113

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