Polynesian TAPA NGATU Bark Cloth Tonga Pacific Island handpainted panels 39 x 75

Description

This listing is for a set of two incredible panels of hand painted artwork: Tonga Ngatu Bark Cloth tapestry/wall panels.  These delicate wall hangings came from the estate of an older woman who had been quite the world traveler; she had collected textiles, art, ironwork, carvings, porcelain and these exquisite pieces of bark cloth.  Also known as Ngatu, one can find this type of handwork done primarily on Fiji and Samoa as well as Tonga.
Each of the large Polynesian Pacific Island panels measure 39” wide x 75” long (approx. 990 mm x 1905 mm) or will display as 78” x 75” (1980 mm x 1905 mm) if hung side by side as a set. The owner had originally displayed the panels suspended from a wooden rod using brads or staples, (rod not included) so there are occasional small holes along the edges, but otherwise the panels are in very good condition for their age and size.  (see photos for better detail) The pattern features geometric triangular shapes including stairstep triangles, leaves and Maltese cross designs in classic shades of rust, cream and deep dark brown.
The bark cloth was hand rubbed over a wooden drum covered with coconut front midrib stencils to transfer the chosen pattern and then local women followed up by accentuating the faintly visible stencil marks with paints made from natural materials.  It’s all an amazing feat!
The numbers 1, 2, 3, and 4 hand painted on this tapa cloth denote its divisions or “langanga”.  One langanga usually measures anywhere from 45-60 centimeters (17.7- 23.6 inches) which holds true in this case as one half of one panel (that is, the  #1, #2, #3 or #4 square) does measure approximately 19 ½ inches.  Interesting!
Here is your chance to display a one-of-a-kind two pc. matching set of hand painted Polynesian Art panels on a wall in your home without having to travel all the way to Tonga!
As eBay has changed the rules regarding payment options, payment for this auction will be by Paypal only. Even though eBay is periodically adding "Best Offer" to listings, we are not accepting offers at this time.
Buyer pays sales tax where applicable.