Tapa Cloth

Name/Title

Tapa Cloth

Entry/Object ID

2025.016.004

Textile Type

Throw Blanket

Use

Bark cloth, or tapa, is not a woven material, but is made from bark that has been softened through a process of soaking and beating. The inner bark is taken from several types of trees or shrubs, often mulberry and fig, and designs are applied with paints and vegetable dyes of light brown, red, and black. Bark cloth is manufactured for everyday needs such as room dividers, clothing, and floor mats, as well as ceremonial uses in weddings and funerals.

Context

This tapa cloth was given to Capt. Coupe on one of his voyages while sea captain. Most likely received it in Fiji or Samoa

Acquisition

Accession

2025.016

Source or Donor

Goldsmith, Julie

Acquisition Method

Gift

Lexicon

Nomenclature 4.0

Nomenclature Primary Object Term

Mat

Nomenclature Class

Floor Coverings

Nomenclature Category

Category 02: Furnishings

Relationships

Related Person or Organization

Person or Organization

Coupe, Capt. Thomas