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Object Number 973-24-70/5365
Display Title Tapa cloth
Descriptions
Object Description Tapa cloth. Practically identical to 7363. Border frayed. Rectangular, medium weight, roughly pounded off white inner bark fibers. The cloth is composed of two layers pasted together. The fiber grain of the top layer runs vertically while the bottom layer runs horizontally. One side is decorated with a border of hand painted triangle swastika motifs surrounding geometric diamond shapes stencilled (stamped?) in circular patterns. Red and blue pigments are present, with some penetration of the colorants to the rear of the textile. A tie of natural, unprocessed leaf-like plant fiber is knotted through a hole in the right side (assuming the accession number is the top). One edge has been cut, shortening the original length of the cloth.
Inventory Description Tapa cloth, rectangular, painted geometric and sunburst design, frayed end
Classification
  • Tapa
Department Ethnographic
Geography/Provenience/Site Name
Oceania / Samoa?
Dimensions Overall: 175 x 135 cm (68 7/8 x 53 1/8 in.)
Quantity 1
Label on object 973-24-70/5365
Provenance
Collector Mr. Eliot Elisofon
Donor Donated by Estate of Eliot Elisofon

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