Traditional Tapa Textiles of the Pacific

Book excerpt: The manufacture of tapa cloth, made from the inner bark of certain trees, is one of the most intriguing products of the cultures of the Pacific islands. This book presents a complete range of the ancient art of tapa, from cloth brought back from the first European voyages to the Pacific to contemporary examples. The origins, materials, manufacturing techniques, and common uses of tapa are described and illustrated with 263 illustrations, 208 in color.