| Rarely found outside of Tonga |
|
Tapa or ngatu can be found occasionally in smaller pieces, but to find such large pieces as we have is rare. Though not the full length size that is reserved for weddings or other special occasions, these Tapa pieces are quite large, enough to cover walls from top to bottom.
The process for making such a valuable and useful handicraft is a labor intensive process. It starts with the growing, cultivating and harvesting of the inner bark of the paper mulberry tree (hiapo). Once cleaned, the strips of inner bark are pounded with a wooden mallet (ike) on a long wooden anvil (tutua).
From there, the strips are glued together using a paste made from tapioca root or arrow root. Two or more layers of the cloth are pasted together crosswise to strengthen the material.
Full Tapa cloth may be purchased. These pieces are one of a kind. Available for purchase as a whole or in sections. Tapa is double layered. Tapa has small minor imperfections. Tapa may be cut or be made of at least 2 smaller pieces.
 |
| Piece |
Cost |
Size |
Availability |
| Taha |
$850 |
full piece approx size is 14' x 20' |
Available |
| #1 |
$150 |
approx size is 7' x 6.5' |
Available |
| #2 |
$150 |
approx size is 7' x 6.5' |
Available |
| #3 |
$150 |
approx size is 7' x 6.5' |
Available |
| #4 |
$150 |
approx size is 7' x 6.5' |
Available |
| #5 |
$150 |
approx size is 7' x 6.5' |
Available |
| #6 |
$150 |
approx size is 7' x 6.5' |
Available |
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