Papua New Guinea
19th century
Measurements: 101 in long x 13 in wide
Materials: Inner bark of the breadfruit tree
Provenance: Sacred Heart Mission, SVD Hiltrup, Germany
A Middle Sepik tapa from Papua New Guinea, made from the inner bark of the breadfruit tree and dating to the 19th century. Measuring 101 in long and 13 in wide, it has an impressive scale and a strong vertical presence. The surface retains the tactile character that gives barkcloth its distinct visual force, balancing softness, density, and the irregularities of hand-worked material. The result is a work of notable presence, both materially and within the barkcloth traditions of the Sepik region.
Barkcloth traditions in Papua New Guinea carry deep ceremonial and artistic importance, and works of this size are especially striking. The long format and organic surface preserve the evidence of handwork while emphasizing the object’s functional and cultural role. With provenance to the Sacred Heart Mission, SVD Hiltrup, Germany, this example combines scale, material strength, and documentary interest.
We ship free anywhere in the world, fully insured, packed by hand.
Papua New Guinea
19th century
Measurements: 101 in long x 13 in wide
Materials: Inner bark of the breadfruit tree
Provenance: Sacred Heart Mission, SVD Hiltrup, Germany
A Middle Sepik tapa from Papua New Guinea, made from the inner bark of the breadfruit tree and dating to the 19th century. Measuring 101 in long and 13 in wide, it has an impressive scale and a strong vertical presence. The surface retains the tactile character that gives barkcloth its distinct visual force, balancing softness, density, and the irregularities of hand-worked material. The result is a work of notable presence, both materially and within the barkcloth traditions of the Sepik region.
Barkcloth traditions in Papua New Guinea carry deep ceremonial and artistic importance, and works of this size are especially striking. The long format and organic surface preserve the evidence of handwork while emphasizing the object’s functional and cultural role. With provenance to the Sacred Heart Mission, SVD Hiltrup, Germany, this example combines scale, material strength, and documentary interest.
We ship free anywhere in the world, fully insured, packed by hand.
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