Tongan
Tapa Cloth
Tongan, 1933-1966
Scroll
Tongan
Tapa Cloth
Tongan, 1933-1966
Physical Qualities
Bark, pigments, 48 7/16 x 37 in. (123 x 94 cm.)
Credit Line
Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Carl Watchorn, Sykesville, Maryland
Object Number
1992.117
Section of tapa cloth; 1/2 covered with thin, blurry horizontal lines in reddish-brown pigment. This portion has inscription 'Koesilaoamelika' on diagonals with three small circles in dark brown. Other half contains plain surface with 'Vs' squiggly lines, straight lines and the number '14'. The two halves are separated by a row of squares, some nested and some containing floral designs and a band of thin lines and hash marks in zigzag pattern.
Dark brown and red-brown pigments
Inscribed: KOESILAOAMELIKA painted twice, on diagonals. The number '14' on plain side.
