How much is a tapa worth?
Though there are fewer collectors for Amazonian works, Mr. Steele’s tapa prices range from $3,500 to $20,000.
What is tapa called in Fiji?
Masi
Masi is the Fijian word for “tapa” or bark cloth. It is also the Fijian name for the paper mulberry tree, (scientific name Broussonetia papyrifera). Masi cloth is used for traditional marriage, birth and death rites and for ceremonies of welcome.
What is Fijian Masi?
Masi, also known as barkcloth, is a textile made by women in Fiji using bark fibers. An important and traditional art form, Fijian masi is famous for its beautiful craftwork and designs. First the inner bark is removed from the paper mulberry tree. The bark strips are soaked in water for a few days until they are soft.
What is the difference between kapa and tapa?
As nouns the difference between kapa and tapa is that kapa is kappa while tapa is a kind of cloth prepared by the polynesians from the inner bark of the paper mulberry or tapa can be any appetizer or snack served in the evening as part of tapas.
How do you hang tapa cloth?
The optimum system for displaying most tapa involves vertical hanging within a shadowbox frame with a plexiglass or other UV absorbing acrylic sheet front. The advantages of framing include protection from dust, insects and light.
What is a Tongan tapa?
Its rhythmic sounds of women making Tapa is heard from morning till night, throughout the villages. It is a traditional art form whereby the inner bark of certain trees is softened and pounded into sheets of cloth, then bound together using natural starches such as root crop.
Who makes Fijian masi?
Vanua of Bouma
The masi is made by the women of the Vanua of Bouma. (The Vanua is a group of landowners from 5 different villages within the region of Bouma.) Traditionally, masi was worn for ceremonial purposes by the Chiefs of the different villages.
What is a Fijian masi made of?
Masi is usually made from the bark of the Paper mulberry tree (Broussonetia papyrifera); the bark is stripped from the tree and worked by hand into thin sheets of cloth or paper. The prepared cloth is then decorated through painting, rubbing, stamping, stenciling, smoking, or dyeing.
What is a Hawaiian tapa?
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).
How do you wash tapa cloth?
The barkcloth should be taken down from the wall and laid flat on a clean surface. A low-powered vacuum cleaner can be used to remove dust – vacuuming through a nylon mesh (from a hardware store) will prevent accidental damage. Smaller pieces of barkcloth can be framed, and glazing will protect them from dust.
How much does a Fijian tapa cost?
(Created around approx 1890). $630.00 (SA32) ON HOLD (LH) Unusual piece produced in Tonga, bearing Fijian motifs. It was created by a Fijian family still wanting to practice the art of tapa making in Tonga, but being restricted by not being able to use the kupesi (carving block).
What is Fijian tapa cloth?
It’s a heavy duty, larger weave 100% cotton fabric that is generally used for decorative items and embellishing. Many hours and effort go into making Fijian tapa cloth.
What if you don’t have the money for a tapa?
If you don’t have the access or budget for the real deal, here’s a great alternative that keeps the look and feel of a handmade piece of tapa (masi, in Fijian). The fabric print owes its motifs to traditional Fijian designs. The fabric can lend itself to so many uses.
How much does a tapa cloth cost?
Only a limited number of these exist, as there was a strong opposition from the hierarchy in regards to cultural values being tampered with. $650.00 Very old Tapa cloth, of unknown origins. Most likely to be Fijian (stencils) but it is not the usual design arrangements.