Institute for Biodiversity Science and Sustainability

CAS Anthropology Collections Database


Catalog Number

CAS 2011-0004-0019   CAS 2011-0004-0019; Tapa pattern board
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