Tapa Papua New Guinea
Oro Province Tapa Cloth, Papua New Guinea
Mid-20th century
A finely decorated barkcloth from Oro Province (Northern Province), Papua New Guinea, distinguished by its unusually strong geometric structure and restrained palette.
The design is organised into a series of rectangular compartments, filled with repeated X, diamond and triangular forms and divided by firm linear borders. Faded yellow-ochre infill softens the darker painted pattern and gives the cloth an especially architectural quality. This more rectilinear treatment differs from the flowing curvilinear designs often associated with later Oro barkcloth.
Made from beaten inner bark, tapa cloth in Oro Province was traditionally produced and painted by women for use in dress, exchange and ceremonial life. Regional styles are highly varied, and older cloths can be difficult to assign to a specific community without documented provenance.
This example is confidently attributable to Oro Province, probably dating from the mid-20th century. An Orokaiva or western/central Oro origin is possible, although the precise local attribution remains under research.(suggestions please experts)
Papua New Guinea, Oro Province
Painted barkcloth
Mid-20th century
Dimensions: 730 x 1350mmCondition: Note numerous holes mant caused by tree branches and part of the beating process, others later. Very typical in Oro pieces.
