An old, very densely and interestingly painted piece of bark bast ‘tapa’ from the region of the Fiji island of Viti Levu (for a more detailed explanation cf. cat. no. 205). A long, narrow piece of bark bast ‘tapa’. The natural, light-coloured background of the bark bast fabric is divided into two rows and altogether 16 sections. Using plant pigments, it is painted black-brown and red. Doubly delineated in their multitude, the sections boast a a variety of geometrical and abstract motifs: triangles, crosses, diamonds, oblique bars, tiny stylised human figures and more. The trimming ends at the top and bottom are painted in thick, short and dark lines. Stripes with oblique hatchings conclude the composition on both sides. An interesting, rare object, with only minor, age-related damage to the edges and the surface (minor holes). Otherwise in very good condition! Length: c. 323 cm, Width: c. 70 cm. First third of the 20th century, purchased before 1942. (ME)

Provenance:
Pursuant to information supplied by the consigner, this piece comes from the collection of the English missionary Arthur Buxton, who was active on Bau (or Gau) Island and in the territory of the town of Levuka on Ovalau Island between 1939 and 1942. Both islands are located to the east of Viti Levu, one of the two main islands of the Fiji archipelago. Since 1942 passed down within Arthur Buxton’s family by inheritance. Currently: Austrian Private Collection.

Lit.:
'Traditional Tapa Textiles of the Pacific' by R. Neich & M. Pendergrast, ill. p. 110, 112.