Tapa art refers to the art on Tapa cloth in New Zealand, Tonga, Amaoa, Java Hawaii and Papua New Guinea. Tapa art in Tonga Fiji and Samoa are usually a grid of squares and each of the suares has some sort of geometrical design. They also have motifs at intervals mainly in the form of plants and fish like for instance a diagonal cross made out of four fish. The colours are traditionally black and brown but several other colors are also used. Earlier tapa cloth was used to make clothing but because of its flimsy texture, similar to paper it is not practical for clothing. It also disintegrates when wet. Nowadays it is used for special occasions only like a wedding.
The word Tapa originates from Tahiti. The first European to see this cloth was reputedly Captain Cook. He is responsible for introducing it to the world. The Tongan word for tapa is ngatu. Maasi is what the Fijians call it. In Hawaii it is referred to as kapa.
The word Tapa originates from Tahiti. The first European to see this cloth was reputedly Captain Cook. He is responsible for introducing it to the world. The Tongan word for tapa is ngatu. Maasi is what the Fijians call it. In Hawaii it is referred to as kapa.