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What is Tapa Cloth? Tapa cloth, or simply ‘tapa’, is a bark cloth made in the islands of the Pacific Ocean. The term ‘tapa’ is international and understood throughout the islands that use the cloth. However, it’s known by different names on different islands: in Tonga, it’s called ‘ngatu’; in Samoa, ‘siapo’ in Niue, ‘hiapo’, in Fiji, ‘masi’. How is Tapa Cloth made? The process of making tapa cloth is labour-intensive, involving several steps. Harvesting The process begins with the harvesting of the inner bark of trees such as the paper mulberry or breadfruit1. The young shoots of the paper mulberry tree are cut down. Separating The bark is then separated from the trunk. The outer bark is peeled from the soft, inner bark until the inner bark (or ‘tu tu’ as it’s called in Tonga) is in one long piece. Soaking The strips of ‘tu tu’ are soaked in a bucket of water to soften the particles. This can take anywhere from overnight to a few days. Beating The softened strip of ‘tu tu’ is placed vertically on a long, wooden anvil-like bench. It’s then beaten with a wooden mallet until it’s paper-thin and has expanded in width. Joining the strips Two strips of thinned ‘tu tu’ are joined together by aligning them side-by-side and pounding the fibers with the mallet so that the strips join together to form a long, wide sheet. Drying the cloth Once beaten and glued, the cloth is then dried in the sun. Types of Tapa Cloth across the Pacific Islands Tapa cloth varies greatly across the Pacific Islands, each with its unique characteristics: Tonga (Ngatu) In Tonga, tapa cloth is of great social importance and often given as gifts. The patterns usually form a grid of squares, each containing geometric patterns with repeated motifs. Samoa (Siapo) Samoan tapa, or siapo, also features geometric patterns, similar to those found in Tongan tapa. Fiji (Masi) Fijian tapa, or masi, can be decorated by rubbing, stamping, stencilling, smoking (known as ‘masi kuvui’), or dyeing. The patterns usually form a grid of squares, each containing geometric patterns. Tapa cloth is a testament to the rich cultural heritage of the Pacific Islands. Each piece of tapa cloth tells a story of tradition, craftsmanship, and cultural pride.

An amazing and wearable collection of Polynesian Shell Lei have just been displayed in our shop on Parnell Road. Wonderful Christmas gift idea. $20.00 each or $100.00 for 6.

As we slowly work through adding stock to the website please try to find the time to visit our store.We have many interesting pieces in all price ranges including this very nice group of Wahaika hand clubs

OUR ARCHIVE Most of these pieces have sold, however please contact us if you're interested in anything. We have a large inventory, and we may have something similar. Load More

SHIPPING & RETURNS SHIPPING POLICY Within New Zealand we deliver to a physical address with signature required on delivery. If you work away from home it may be best to address to your personal attention at your place of work. The company name must be included for delivery. International shipping is possible. Please contact us with your address for quoted options. We DO NOT ship to PO Boxes unless at the purchasers request and then at their risk. Terms and Conditions Returns This website is owned and operated by Kiwa Art New Zealand These Terms set forth the terms and conditions under which you may use our website and services as offered by us. This website offers visitors art and craft handmade in NewZeland ,The pacific Islands, Indonesia and beyond. By accessing or using the website of our service, you approve that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms. In order to use our website and/or receive our services, you must be at least 18 (eighteen)years of age, or of the legal age of majority in your jurisdiction, and possess the legal authority, right and freedom to enter into these Terms as a binding agreement. You are not allowed to use this website and/or receive services if doing so is prohibited in your country or under any law or regulation applicable to you. When buying an item, you agree that: (i) you are responsible for reading the full item listing before making a commitment to buy it: (ii) you enter into a legally binding contract to purchase an item when you commit to buy an item and you complete the check-out payment process.The prices we charge for our products are listed on the website. We reserve the right to change our prices for products displayed at any time, and to correct pricing errors that may inadvertently occur. RETURNS If in the rare event an item is damaged or you're not happy with the piece let us know at kiwaartparnell@gmail.com and we will arrange a replacement or a refund. A refund will be give when the item is returned within 30 days of receipt at the purchasers expense and less the cost of outward shipping. Damaged goods will be replaced or if we cannot find an appropriate item refunded in full. EMAIL.You agree to receive from time to time promotional messages and materials from us, by mail, email or any other contact form you may provide us with (including your phone number for calls or text messages). If you don't want to receive such promotional materials or notices – please just notify us at any time.

Kiwa Art eGift $25 You can't go wrong with a gift card. Choose an amount and write a personalized message to make this gift your own. ... Read more Amount $25 $50 $100 $150 $200 Quantity Buy Now