Object

Accession No

2019.33

Description

Barkcloth (ngatu) depicting the designs of the Koe Hala Paini or the Norfolk Pine which line the way to the Royal Palace in Nukualofa, the crown, the British Lion, the symbol of the King of Tonga and his long relationship with Britain and the aristocratic Eagle.

Place

Oceania; Polynesia; Tonga

Period

late 20th century

Source

Vickery, Richard [collector and donor]; St Andrews School

Department

Anth

Reference Numbers

2019.33; MAA: MN00143.2

Cultural Affliation

Tongan

Material

Barkcloth

Local Term

Ngatu

Measurements

1750mm x 1980mm

Events

Context (Production / use)
The tapa was produced to celebrate the King of Tonga, Tui Tāufaʻāhau Tupou IV, (b.1918. Reigned 1965- d.2006)

Event Date 9/4/2019
Author: alison clark

Context (Field collection)
The barkcloth was given to Richard Vickery in 1972 as a leaving present following his work as a volunteer teacher at St Andrews School, Nukualofa, Tonga. The tapa was made by the family of Funau, the school caretaker.
Event Date 9/4/2019
Author: alison clark

Description (Physical description)
Barkcloth depicts the designs of the Koe Hala Paini or the Norfolk Pine which line the way to the Royal Palace in Nukualofa. It also features the crown, the British Lion which is the symbol of the King of Tonga and his long relationship with Britain and the aristocratic Eagle. There are also the traditional garlands, the sun, moon and a star above the pine trees.
Condition good with some loose fibres on the rear
Event Date 14/6/2019
Author: rachel hand

FM:278335