Tapa Lafi kula, Futuna Island, Western Polynesia Mid... - Lot 145 - De Baecque et Associés

Lot 145
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Estimation :
1500 - 2500 EUR
Tapa Lafi kula, Futuna Island, Western Polynesia Mid... - Lot 145 - De Baecque et Associés
Tapa Lafi kula, Futuna Island, Western Polynesia Mid 20th century Chinese mulberry tree ( Broussonetia papyrifera) L. 345 cm l. 35 cm Provenance: Private collection, New Caledonia Used for the composition of wedding ceremony costumes, the lafi corresponds in Futuna to the bark fabric decorated by hand on white tapas. This long band fringed on both ends is called lafikula or wedding belt after Aloi Pilioko (Ethnographie et art de l'Océanie, 1989). A similar bark cloth is illustrated in this work under reference 468. Three other similar Tapas, of the same characteristics reported by Eugène Pitard are illustrated in the book by Louis Necker, former director of the Museum of Ethnography in Geneva; Étoffes cosmiques- Les anciens tapa d'Océanie du MEG (Annual Bulletin 1986). Fine refinement and richness of the geometrical patterns adorning the long strips up to the fringed parts. On the upper part of the fabric, a less concentrated and more aerial decoration contrasting marvelously with that of the lower part, thus creating a subtle alternation, a play of emptiness and fullness between the motifs decorating the fabric.
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