Catalog Number |
CAS 2011-0004-0019 | |
Category | Textiles; Tools & Implements | |
Object Name | Tapa pattern board | |
Culture | Polynesian: Tongan | |
Global Region | Oceania | |
Country | Tonga | |
State/Prov./Dist. | unknown | |
County | ||
Other Geographic Data | unknown | |
Maker's Name | Unknown | |
Date of Manufacture | ca. 1984 | |
Collection Name | N/A | |
Materials | Pandanus leaves; Coconut fiber; Coconut frond ribs; Unidentified plant fiber | |
Description | Pattern board for decorating tapa cloth, made from a layer of pandanus leaves that are overlapped and seamed together, then overlaid with a layer of coconut fiber; A geometric design drawn in pencil on one face is outlined with coconut frond ribs that are sewn to the backing with a plant fiber; Design on this board is known as tokelau feletoa, a chiefly symbol popular among tapa makers; Design consists of two side-by-side elongated diamonds with zigzag borders and floral-like pattern in the center, all on a herringbone background; When decorating tapa cloth, this board or stencil would be coated with a dye and then the cloth would be pressed against the board, leaving a light impression of the raised design, which in turn, would be overpainted. | |
Dimensions (cm) | Width = 33.4, Thickness = 0.5, Length = 52.0 |