Tapa Cloth, date unknown
Polynesian; Possibly Fiji,Melanesia
Bark and pigment; 45 1/2 × 55 1/…

Tapa Cloth (Masi Kesa)

ClassificationsTextiles-tapa cloths

Date20th Century

Made AtFiji

MediumPounded tree bark and pigment

Dimensions47 9/16 × 64 1/2 × 1/16 in. (120.8 × 163.8 × 0.2 cm)

Credit LineGift of Diana Springer

Object number2013.13.1

DescriptionThe Fijian phrase for barkcloth, masi kesa, comes from the words for its medium: paper mulberry (masi) and vegetable or mineral pigments (kesa). The same materials are used almost exclusively throughout the Pacific to make barkcloth. Uniquely in their region, designs were traditionally added by using a stencil and black pigment. Altogether it gives Fijian barkcloth the high contrast they are known for.

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