Book Description

"Talking TAPA: Pasifika Bark Cloth in Queensland showcases the diversity of Pacific Islander cultural practices, heritage and visual iconography through beaten bark cloth or tapa, which is mainly made from the paper mulberry tree inner bark. Tapa can be made up to a kilometre long, in a variety of shapes and smaller sizes for many different purposes. Tapa decoration includes plant and animal motifs, clan and family patterning and representations of important contemporary and historical events. Works from the Pacific Islands including: Papua New Guinea, West Papua, Samoa, Tonga, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, Fiji, Wallis and Futuna, will be on show. Visitors can learn more about our Pacific neighbours through the wall hangings, traditional and contemporary clothing including wedding outfits, as well as the tools and implements used to make tapa that will be on display." --Publisher.