Description:

New World, Hawaiian Islands, ca. 19th century CE. A well-preserved, hand-carved koa wood tapa beater with four faces and a tapering, conical handle with a flattened end. Each of the faces bears a series of incised vertical grooves, and the top of the beater has a flat surface. Tapa is a kind of bark cloth that is made in the South Pacific Islands, mainly Tonga, Samoa, and Fiji, but also as far afield as Hawaii and New Zealand. Tapa was introduced to the western world in the late 18th century by Captain Cook's first expedition, where it was collected under the direction of Joseph Banks and brought to Europe. In Polynesian society, the cloth is of great social importance and is often given as a gift, but it once (before being replaced by synthetic fabrics) was used as everyday wear; today it is worn only at special occasions such as weddings. Custom museum-quality display stand included. Size: 1.25" W x 12.6" H (3.2 cm x 32 cm); 12.9" H (32.8 cm) on included custom stand.

Provenance: private Newport Beach, California, USA collection

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#133638

  • Condition: Surface wear and minor abrasions commensurate with age and use, and small losses to one top corner and most of one edge. Light earthen deposits and nice brown patina throughout. Old inventory label on handle.

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September 27, 2018 7:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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