beater

Collection of Auckland Museum Tāmaki Paenga Hira, 1931.580, 16876

"Niuean tapa beaters have a square cross section and flare at its farthest end. The grooving is much finer than that on Samoan and Tongan beaters and there is a zigzag cuff between the handle and the beating end, which is apparently unique to Niue.

Sometimes there are patterns marked in lines of fine dot incisions which, along with the zigzag cuff, are also found on spears and clubs from Niue." Neich and Pendergrast, 'Pacific Tapa', 1997

wood/plant material

330 x 54mm (precise)

Beater, Tapa

Textileworking T&E

Tools & Equipment

08 Sep 2026