Siapo

human history

Siapo. Tapa; bark cloth; siapo vala. This is a flat and rectangular beaten textile referred to as siapo vala as a result of its size and the notion of its purpose in being presented during formal ceremonies upon larger significant textiles such as 'ie toga (fine mats). The cloth itself is made from u'a (Paper mulberry tree). Decorative dyes that have been sourced from the natural environment have been applied through the use of siapo 'elei (relief printing) and siapo mamanu (free hand painting method). The surface of the siapo vala portrays a decorative repeat pattern that is made up of geometric shapes. Siapo 'elei has been applied to the cloth first. This is defined by the light brown tone upon the off-white cloth. Siapo mamanu has then been applied to define the dark brown triangular blocks. The reverse of the Siapo vala shows the definitions of the initial use of siapo 'elei.

Accession number: 1999.189.6 Last Update: 14 Sept 2023
Other Name

siapo vala (Samoan)

Tapa (Samoan)

Siapo vala (Samoan)

Bark cloth (English)

Place
Samoa/Pacific
Accession Number

1999.189.6

Accession Date

05 Nov 1999

Other Id

55467 (ethnology)

Department

Pacific

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