Arts
Tapa
Material & Tools
The inner bark of a mulberry bush is the primary ingredient in makeing tapa cloth. The material is made by repeatedly pounding the bark into a fine and supple material. These strips are then joined and decoratively painted using ancient templates and stamps. Though not made in Utah, local Tongans import tapa for ceremonies, gifts and clothing. Many Tongan born immigrants to Utah know how to make tapa and demonstrate these skills at local festivals.
Courtesy
of the Utah Arts Councils
Photo by Hal Cannon, 1980
The
Polynesian Gift to Utah is made possible by a
generous grant from the R. Harold Burton Foundation.