Masi Kesa

human history

Masi Kesa. Elaborately printed bark cloth with black and brown patterns, a fringed edge and serrated ends. The masi has various geometric patterns applied, including an i-seru motif (comb motif), vetau pattern (diamond shape motif) with tutuki (flower) incorporated into the overall design of the masi. Across the centre of the masi are many rectangular sections each filled with geometric patterns including vutu motif (circular star shaped motif). Masi is made from bark stripped from the Vuni Masi (Paper mulberry) tree. The outer skin is removed and the inner bark (natural in colour) is soaked in a papasia (large wooden bowl). It is then laid out on a duadua (long wooden anvil) and beaten with an ike (bark cloth beater). Using water as the binding agent, strips of masi are felted together.

Accession number: 1949.125 Last Update: 15 Oct 2025
Other Name

Bark cloth (English)

Place
[Fiji]/Pacific
Accession Number

1949.125

Other Id

30926 (ethnology)

Department

Pacific

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Masi kesa, 1949.125, 30926, Photographed by Andrew Hales, digital, 01 Jun 2017, Cultural Permissions Apply Cultural Permissions Apply
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