Previous image preload Next image preload
Back to catalog
Lot 223
image_0 image_1 image_2
20th C. Melenesian Solomon Islands Wood Tapa Beater
20th C. Melenesian Solomon Islands Wood Tapa Beater
image_0 image_1 image_2
Description:

Oceania, Melanesia, Solomon Islands, ca. early to mid-20th century CE. An attractive tapa cloth beater, skillfully hand-carved from espresso-hued hardwood to present a gently conical handle and thick, tubular beating head capped by a pointed knob. A petite bulb finial is featured at the end of the handle, while dozens of tightly spaced, vertical striations line the beating head, allowing it to evenly flatten the fibers of the tapa bark intended for manufacturing into textiles. Tapa cloths are traditionally made by beating the inner bark of mulberry or similar trees until it is soft and pliable, and then painted using a palette of naturally occurring pigments. This example is a solid, elegant tool used to create true works of art. Size: 2.2" Diameter x 10.7" H (5.6 cm x 27.2 cm); 11.3" H (28.7 cm) on included custom stand.

Tapa is a particular kind of bark cloth that is made in the South Pacific Islands, mainly Tonga, Samoa, and Fiji, but also as far afield as Hawaii and New Zealand. Tapa was introduced to the western world in the late 18th century by Captain Cook's first expedition, where it was collected under the direction of Joseph Banks and brought to Europe. In Polynesian society, the cloth is of great social importance and is often given as a gift; however, prior to the introduction of synthetic fabrics, it was also used for everyday wear. Today it is worn only at special occasions such as weddings.

Cf. the Museum of New Zealand, registration number FE003523.

Provenance: private Hawaii, USA collection, acquired from 1995 to 2010

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.

We ship worldwide and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.

#168538

  • Condition: Some stable fissures, as well as nicks, chips, and abrasions, all commensurate with age and use. Otherwise, intact and excellent with nice patina.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

Shipping

Auction House will ship, at Buyer's expense

August 25, 2022 8:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of up to 26.5% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $299 $25
$300 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $20,000