Learning About Polynesian Tapa
Our introductory guide explains the importance of tapa in cultural practice and demonstrates its significance to the people who make and use it. The intricate and diverse skills of the manufacturing process are described, and basic advice is provided on caring for barkcloth. The guide is available to download under CC BY-SA 4.0 for future reference.
Characteristic Features of Historic Polynesian Tapa
Tapa in Polynesia demonstrates remarkable diversity in manufacturing and style. By drawing on analysis of the relatively diverse collections held at The Hunterian and in the Economic Botany Collection (Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew), our guide identifies culturally-driven characteristic features of historic cloths. The guide is available to download under CC BY-SA 4.0 for future reference.