apron

This tapa apron is joined together with no visible seam. An indistinct pattern has been stamped or drawn onto the tapa, and tassels of seeds and shell money beads attached around the hem.

Signs of wealth
Married women in the Admiralty Islands have worn these aprons for celebrations and dancing for centuries, and continue to do so today. Feathers, seeds, and shell money beads are a sign of family wealth.

Acquisition
This tapa apron was acquired by London dealer William Oldman, whose extensive collection known as the Oldman Collection was purchased by the New Zealand Government in 1948.