Tapa, Masi Kesa, Fiji Archipelago - Lot 254

Tapa, Masi Kesa, Fiji Archipelago Mid-twentieth century Chinese mulberry (Broussonetia papyrifera), vegetable dyes H. 101 cm - L. 91 cm Tears Provenance: French private collection Masi (formerly maro), in Fiji, refers to tapa, a kesa with a reddish-brown hue obtained from the bark of various species of mangrove (rhizophora). Fiji's masi kesas feature specific, catalogued motifs, each with its own symbolism and meaning. Unlike the archipelagos, where patterns are applied freehand or with a die, Fijian masi kesas are stencilled. On this example, with its skilfully composed decoration, on the square borders in repeated friezes, various geometric motifs punctuate the perimeter, leading the eye to the center, a rhombus within which a cross is depicted. In the four corners, on a lighter background, are Barringtonia flowers, a motif known as vutu, from which a particular essence was extracted that played an essential role in Fijian culture as a food preservative, particularly for fish. Barringtonia seeds, ground to a powder and scattered in the water, were used to poison fish while preserving the quality and flavor of their flesh. Fine detail and rhythmic motifs. Expert: Aurore KRIER-MARIANI - +33 (0)6 17 18 11 36