Fine Fijian Tapa Beater
Early 19th century
Length 13.2"
Provenance: Auckland New Zealand Trade
In Fiji, a tapa beater, also known as "ike ni masi," is a tool used to beat and soften the inner bark of the paper mulberry tree (Broussonetia papyrifera) to create tapa cloth, a traditional Fijian textile. This example has a lovely well worn honey patina.
Early 19th century
Length 13.2"
Provenance: Auckland New Zealand Trade
In Fiji, a tapa beater, also known as "ike ni masi," is a tool used to beat and soften the inner bark of the paper mulberry tree (Broussonetia papyrifera) to create tapa cloth, a traditional Fijian textile. This example has a lovely well worn honey patina.
Early 19th century
Length 13.2"
Provenance: Auckland New Zealand Trade
In Fiji, a tapa beater, also known as "ike ni masi," is a tool used to beat and soften the inner bark of the paper mulberry tree (Broussonetia papyrifera) to create tapa cloth, a traditional Fijian textile. This example has a lovely well worn honey patina.