Tapa Cloth

MOA: University of British Columbia

3130/3

Small, rectangular tapa cloth adhered to a board of the same size. Patterning is black geometric designs on the raw background. In the centre of the piece are four-sided shapes with a black border. On the outside of this are three stacked triangles. From the centre point outwards the designs are mirrored on the long sides and later on the outside. The next design out from centre-point is a black triangle under another triangle. Topping this are two black motifs followed by three wavy lines. The next design has heavy black wavy lines and is in a triangular shape. Next there is a large section that includes diamond shapes, triangles, wavy lines and the use of blank space. Bordering the object is a narrow design with wavy thin and thick lines, including arrows and dots.


  • Type of Item tapa cloth
  • Culture Wallisian, Futunan
  • Material adhesive, wood, paper mulberry bark, paint
  • Measurements height 95.5 cm, width 36.0 cm, depth 0.6 cm (overall)

  • Previous Owner Christine Joffres
  • Received from Christine Joffres

  • Made in Wallis and Futuna

  • Ownership Date before September 24, 2015
  • Acquisition Date on September 29, 2015

  • Item Classes textiles
  • Condition fair
  • Accession Number 3130/0003