Indiana University Indiana University IU

Culture Samoan
Title Barkcloth (Siapo, Tapa)
Date 1930–1950
Medium Barkcloth and pigment
Dimensions Object: 57 × 50 in. (144.8 × 127 cm)
Overall: 57 x 50 in. (144.8 x 127 cm)
Credit Line Gift of Mrs. Edward J. Kempf, Eskenazi Museum of Art, Indiana University
Accession Number 73.83.9

Share this artwork!

About this Work

In Samoa the word tapa is used specifically to refer to the undecorated border of the bark cloth, and the decorated portion is known as siapo. Siapo can be decorated through the use of a design board and the rubbing of dye or through a method known as siapo mamanu, freehand painting.

Pieces of siapo are often divided into a grid pattern, which here features a slight variation in patterning. This piece contains a grid of six columns and four rows filled with geometric motifs. While some of these motifs have been given names, their history is not fully understood.


Provenance research is ongoing for this and many other items in the Eskenazi Museum of Art permanent collection. For more information about the provenance of this artwork, please contact the department curator with specific questions.

Viewing Information
This artwork is currently off display. You may be able to see this artwork by filling out an art viewing room request.

 

Request this Image
The Eskenazi Museum of Art provides images of its collection, free of charge, upon request. This artwork is under copyright protection. You can request the image and it will be emailed to you when the request is complete.

Cite this Page
"Barkcloth | Collections Online." Collections Online. Sidney and Lois Eskenazi Museum of Art, Indiana University, 2024. https://artmuseum.indiana.edu/collections-online/browse/object.php?number=73.83.9