Barkcloth collection.
72.
Barkcloth Samples.
Sold.
(please look in the Exhibition section of the website for more detailed images)
An important collection of Tapa samples dating to the early 19th century.
Due to the perishable nature of the materials, few examples of barkcloth from this period survive outside of museums. Two of the samples shown here are inscribed “from Tahiti.” The others in the collection are probably Hawaiian or Tahitian. The possible exceptions to this are the two that were found in the envelope pictured, which are described as “Figee” The inscription on the envelope reads, “Cloth made by the Figee Islanders.” From Mr. Willis . G., 17 1858.”
There are two pieces that match up perfectly with some examples given by the Reverend John Williams to his sister. These can now be located in the collections of SOAS, and so it is clear that at least two of the pieces here were collected by him, and there is a possibility that they all were.
Tapa is actually a Tahitian word; there are records of local names for tapa recorded by early travellers. In Tonga it is known as ngatu, in Hawaii as kapa, and in Tahiti as ahu.
29 pieces in all (including the envelope)
Ex Reverend John Williams.
Ex private collection from a 19th century.
Cabinet of curiosities.
Leominster, U.K.
Price on request.
Some dimensions.
In the final image some of the samples are numbered.
- 36cm x 20cm.
- 23cm x 10cm.
- 23cm x 42cm.
- 33cm x 20cm.
- 50cm x 39cm.
- 26cm x 28cm.
- 21cm x 9cm.
- 23cm x 7cm.
- 8cm x 5cm.