Tapas Samoa Islands - Lot 139

Tapas Samoa Islands H. 173 cm - L. 180 cm Late 19th century, early 20th century Chinese mulberry (Broussonetia papyrifera) and vegetable dyes Samoan tapas are not always stamped with a die, as is the case with Samoas, but decorated freehand on the initial white/cream cloth. The dimensions of this example indicate that it is a lava lava tapa, but the more Tongan motifs suggest that it was made for a Tongan islander. Laterally, as well as within the triangles, motifs representing yam stalks appear, and a four-petal flower similar to the "fata'o tui tonga" has been transferred several times, as well as full circular shapes composed entirely of dark pigments. Provenance : French private collection of a decorator, Paris Expert : Aurore KRIER-MARIANI - 06 17 18 11 36