Description:

Oceania, Solomon Islands, ca. mid 20th century CE. A wonderful one-sided, carved wooden tapa beater, boasting a polished surface of natural woodgrain in hues of caramel and butterscotch. The fine implement displays a tubular handle that expands to a heavy head with one flat side incised with vertical and horizontal lines intended to evenly flatten the fibers of the tapa bark. Tapa a particular 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. Before synthetic fabrics replaced it, it was also used for everyday wear; however, today it is worn only at special occasions such as weddings. Size: 2.25" W x 11" H (5.7 cm x 27.9 cm)

Provenance: private Newport Beach, California, USA collection

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#142254

  • Condition: Four stable surface fissures. Some nicks/chips and scratches commensurate with use. Otherwise, intact and excellent with nice patina.

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April 15, 2021 8:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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