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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.

Culture

Tongan

2000–2000

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Tongan
Bark Cloth (Ngatu)
1933–1966
Tongan and Fijian
Breastplate (Civa Vonovono)
1819–1849