Tongan Ngatu
Early-to-mid 20th century Tongan tapa cloth panel (ngatu). Historically, tapa cloth was used for many purposes in Polynesia and Micronesia, including as room dividers, sleeping sheets, even mosquito netting. Everyday garments were also made from tapa, with the understanding that they might not survive a heavy rain! Tapa cloth is now used primality for ceremonial occasions, particularly as teunga tau’olunga, the traditional clothing of dancers and other performers (last image). Images of Tongans wearing traditional tapa cloth for context only.
24" x 42" Some loss in pigmented areas.
Early-to-mid 20th century Tongan tapa cloth panel (ngatu). Historically, tapa cloth was used for many purposes in Polynesia and Micronesia, including as room dividers, sleeping sheets, even mosquito netting. Everyday garments were also made from tapa, with the understanding that they might not survive a heavy rain! Tapa cloth is now used primality for ceremonial occasions, particularly as teunga tau’olunga, the traditional clothing of dancers and other performers (last image). Images of Tongans wearing traditional tapa cloth for context only.
24" x 42" Some loss in pigmented areas.
Early-to-mid 20th century Tongan tapa cloth panel (ngatu). Historically, tapa cloth was used for many purposes in Polynesia and Micronesia, including as room dividers, sleeping sheets, even mosquito netting. Everyday garments were also made from tapa, with the understanding that they might not survive a heavy rain! Tapa cloth is now used primality for ceremonial occasions, particularly as teunga tau’olunga, the traditional clothing of dancers and other performers (last image). Images of Tongans wearing traditional tapa cloth for context only.
24" x 42" Some loss in pigmented areas.