Skip to main content

Samoan

Tapa Cloth

Samoan, 1933

Scroll

Samoan

Tapa Cloth

Samoan, 1933

Physical Qualities Bark, pigments, 67 5/16 x 28 3/8 in. (171 x 72 cm.)
Credit Line Gift of H. Richard McCord, Jr., Baltimore
Object Number 1995.58
Serrated edge and painted designs on both sides. One long edge is serrated. Design on first side: alternate serrations contain painted triangles and other geometric shapes. Long edge opposite serrations contains row of squares with nested diamond/circles. Remainder of surface subdivided into squares which are divided into quarters with painted diagonal lines (X). Each square also contains two opposed semi-circles (unpainted space) which overlap diagonal lines, and painted ovals and triangles arranged within the semi-circles. Design on reverse composed of painted lines parallel to the long axis, cloth is divided into three blocks. Each block contains a set of opposed triangles; alternate blocks also contain a circle. One short edge has a row of squares containing opposed triangles and hatched lines.

Explore the Collection Further

Samoan
Ceremonial Bowl for Kava Root Drink (Tanoa Fai'ava)
1941
Fijian
Tapa Cloth (Masi)
1900–1932