Institute for Biodiversity Science and Sustainability

CAS Anthropology Collections Database


Catalog Number CAS 1984-0008-0401   CAS 1984-0008-0401; Tapa beater
Category Textiles; Tools & Implements
Object Name Tapa beater
Culture Polynesian: Tongan
Global Region Oceania
Country Tonga
State/Prov./Dist.
County
Other Geographic Data unknown
Maker's Name Unknown
Date of Manufacture ca. 1920s
Collection Name Rollo Beck Collection (South Pacific)
Materials Wood
Description Elongated rectangular 4-sided tapa beater carved from a single piece of wood; Proximal end is slightly constricted to form a handle; Above the handle the beater gradually expands in width to the squared off distal end; Each of the four faces shows a different pattern: one face is smooth and completely undecorated; the remaining three faces are carved, respectively, with two, three, and four deeply incised, parallel and equally spaced grooves.
Dimensions (cm) Width = 5.7, Thickness = 5.6, Length = 32.5