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Object Number 11-2-70/83931
Display Title Tapa cloth
Descriptions
Object Description Tapa cloth known as siapo mamanu, freehand painted in blocks (thirteen by nine) of two different motifs alternating. A moderately thin, rectangular cloth made of evenly pounded off-white inner bark fibers. The cloth is composed of two layers, pasted and beaten together in parallel grain directions. Some sections of the cloth yield a relatively stiff hand where the paste is applied on thickly. The edges retains their original pounded edge finish. One surface of the cloth is decorated with a handpainted design. The design is made up of a network of reddish brown squares, each having a four-petal floral motif and pod-like shapes filling the voids. There are no apparent beater patterns.
Inventory Description Tapa, rectangular, checkerboard design with floral and linear elements
Classification
  • Tapa
Department Ethnographic
Geography/Provenience/Site Name
Oceania / Samoa
Dimensions Overall: 200 x 137 cm (78 3/4 x 53 15/16 in.)
Quantity 1
Provenance
Donor Donated by Dr. William McMichael Woodworth

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