Tongan Mats Tapa

How ngatu is made.

Tongan mats tapa. Dimensions 480 mm x 445 mm. Tapa cloths are made of bark fibers a type of cloth made from the bast or inner bark strips of specific trees mainly the mulberry tree although several species of breadfruit and fig trees are also used. Mat weaving is one of the ancient tongan handicrafts. While tapa cloth is most often recognized as a polynesian craft it has also been made in south america indonesia new guinea melanesia and parts of africa.

This is a wonderful example of a vibrantly freehand painted tongan ngatu or tapa cloth by the well known tongan artist lavinia petiola taufa. Focus is on the turtle symbol of good fortune cleverly incorporating flowers and petal borders as well. The fala tui is one of the most attractive mats. Like tapa making mat weaving is an everyday part of tongan life.

The museum of natural and cultural history tapa cloth collection includes about 40 tapas primarily from polynesia including the islands of samoa tonga hawaii and tahiti. Woven mats are commonly used for bedding and flooring. They are also presented at special occasions such as births deaths and weddings. After two years these trees after having been carefully planted pruned and cared for are cut down and the bark of each tree is stripped off being careful not to tear it or make holes during the process.

The couple who arrived in tonga from fiji on thursday joined princess angelika and prince ata king tupou vi s son and daughter at the fa onelua centre which showcased products including traditional mats and tapa cloth carvings bracelets made from whale bone and wood. Tapa cloth or simply tapa is a barkcloth made in the islands of the pacific ocean primarily in tonga samoa and fiji but as far afield as niue cook islands futuna solomon islands java new zealand vanuatu papua new guinea and hawaii where it is called kapa in french polynesia it has nearly disappeared except for some villages in the marquesas. Tapa cloths have undergone a revival in the last couple of years and have become highly collectable especially the older and vintage pieces. Our tongan koloa are made with bulk effort a racing time and caring teamwork to ensure that you have that long lasting quality in your tongan koloa.

The mats are used for a variety of purposes. The ngatu or tapa is made from the bark of a mulberry tree known in tonga as hiapo. So please browse through our product contents buy the. Welcome to buytonga your safe and secured tongan online store for buying all things tongan.

Our aim is to provide you with that tongan koloa treasure that you are looking for today. Women gather in small groups to weave sing or talk together.