Barkcloth Clutch – Fiji

Description

This handsome and unusual stenciled barkcloth clutch was purchased by a members mother when she was in Peace Corp in the 1980’s in Fiji.  Often called tapa, barkcloth is a clothlike material derived from the inner bark of certain species of trees. Practiced exclusively by women, tapa making is one o the most important and diverse art forms in Polynesia. Both now and in the past, the display and exchange of large pieces of tapa form important components of ceremonial life in many areas of Polynesia. In earlier times it was also among the primary material for clothing.

To make the cloth, they actually remove small strips of bark, soak it and then beat it. The edges are overlapped and beaten to fuse the pieces to make much larger pieces.  The finished tapa is decorated using techniques that vary from region to region. These include stenciling, printing, dyeing, and freehand painting. The repeated patterns resemble those seen on pottery produced by the Lapita people, who were the ancestors of the present day people of Polynesia.

This beautifully made clutch measures 12″ long x 7″ high and could be used for storing letters or papers as well as being a beautiful personal accessory.