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Samoan Bark Cloth (Siapo) with Geometric Motifs, Late 19th – Early 20th Century

About the Item

A striking and culturally rich Samoan bark cloth textile (siapo), dating to the late 19th to early 20th century CE. Measuring approximately 120 x 130 cm, this impressive work was crafted from the inner bark of the paper mulberry tree (Broussonetia papyrifera), a plant introduced to the South Pacific from Southeast Asia centuries ago. Decorated in warm natural tones, the composition is arranged in a grid of geometric forms, each symbolizing elements of traditional life: cross-hatching for fishing nets, wavy lines for coconut leaves or fibers, diamond shapes representing trochus shells, and X motifs evoking bird wings or footprints in the sand. These meaningful symbols transform the textile into a visual narrative of Polynesian heritage. Tapa (siapo) cloths such as this continue to be used in Samoa for ceremonial purposes — as garments, dance accessories, or offerings during weddings and funerals — and today, they are also admired as powerful decorative elements in interiors. The production process is highly skilled and nearly ritualistic: after harvesting, the inner bark is sun-dried, soaked, and rhythmically beaten with wooden mallets to produce thin strips, which are then joined together with natural starch. The resulting sheet is trimmed and painted using stencils, imprinting, or freehand techniques — each step echoing generations of tradition. This rare and beautifully preserved piece offers both visual impact and cultural depth — an exceptional acquisition for collectors of Oceanic art or those seeking a statement textile with historic soul.
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 51.19 in (130 cm)Width: 47.25 in (120 cm)Depth: 0.04 in (1 mm)
  • Materials and Techniques:
    Paper,Wood,Hand-Crafted,Hand-Painted
  • Place of Origin:
    Samoa
  • Period:
    Late 19th Century
  • Date of Manufacture:
    Unknown
  • Condition:
  • Seller Location:
    Fukuoka, JP
  • Reference Number:
    1stDibs: LU10055245177492

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