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Tapa or Barkcloth is made from
the inner bark of the Mulberry tree and was the only 'fabric', other than
mats, made and worn in the South Pacific prior to European contact. Tapa cloth
is called SIAPO in the Samoan language. The bark was pounded, dried
and then, in Samoa, beautiful patterns were stamped on with natural plant
dyes. The ones in the example below were made in the traditional way with
a handcarved wooden block stamp that was pressed against the finished double
layer of tapa cloth to make the painted design which is indigenous to Samoa.
The natural plant dye was applied to the wooden stamp each time and then the
tapa cloth was pressed against it, then the design is again handpainted with
a coconut fiber 'brush' to make it stand out. The tapa cloth, design and plant
dyes are all completely made by the individual Samoan craftsperson. These
individual and unique designs were charished by their makers. These tapas
look beautiful as a hung piece on a wall. All of the single block pieces of
tapa below measure approximate 14" x 15" with slight variations.
Prices: One block tapa pieces
like the examples below are $10.00 each (plus shipping). 10 or more pieces
are $8.00 each.
Two block tapa pieces like the example below are $16.00 each (plus
shipping).
Four block tapa pieces like the example below are $32.00 each (plus shipping).
The last 2 photos below are of a Large Samoan Tapa which is used in a Samoan
dance costume. This large tapa had 18 large blocks. These large tapa are
usually priced about $5.00 to $7.00 per square depending on the size of the
actual square.
ALSO SEE: Handcarved Hardwood Tapa
Design Stamp and Handcarved Tapa Beater.
Two Block size of Tapa
Paradisegypsy
P.O. Box 2189, Apia, Samoa
Tel. +685 21870
Email: info@paradisegypsy.com
SEND
AN EMAIL TO PLACE AN ORDER
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