Masi Kesa

human history

Masi Kesa. A piece of masi (bark cloth) beaten from Vuni Masi (Paper mulberry tree) and stencilled with graphic motifs in black and brown pigment colours. Diamond and clubs are a central motif repeated along the length of the masi. A motif repeated along the border of this mas is a seru (hair comb) motif. Togitogi (fringing) along the edges of the two longest sides. At widest sides the masi is cut into serrated edges. In production of masi, the outer skin of Vuni Masi is removed with the inner bark (natural in colour) 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). "FIJI 50562" handwritten in pencil on the underside of the masi near the serrated edge. Good condition.

Nama tāpiringa: 1983.171 Whakahounga o Mua: 9 Oct 2025
Ingoa Kē

Bark cloth (English)

Wāhi
Fiji
Accession Number

1983.171

Rā Tāpiringa

17 Nov 1983

Tohu Tuakiri Kē

50562 (ethnology)

Wāhanga

Pacific

Uiuitia Tirohanga API
7 Mātātuhi
Masi kesa, 1983.171, 50562, Photographed by Andrew Hales, digital, 01 Jun 2017, Cultural Permissions Apply Cultural Permissions Apply
Tirohia ngā pikitia ( 7)