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Overview
This masi (Fijian tapa) was produced by Liviana Qaranivalu (Vatulele, Fiji) as a part of the 'Ahu: Ngā wairua o Hina project.
Practice in the present
In this artwork titled Masi, Liviana reflects on the present-day practice of Vatulele islands tapa cloth adornment. While freehand painting was once prevalent, contemporary masi makers often favour intricate, standardised patterns achieved through personalised, hand-cut stencils. This technique allows for the creation of large complex designs that can be produced quickly to meet demand. Masi designs and techniques vary geographically across Fiji, reflecting unique traditions passed down through families and villages, with specific motifs designated for different purposes and uses.
"For the present, this is like our normal way to make tapa. We use stencils made from carboard with red dye with black powder and a sponge. For us, it's our hobby that we do, and we love it."
Liviana Qaranivalu, 2023
Background
In 2021, with the Te Papa Foundation’s support, Te Papa acquired a rare book of tapa cloth samples, one of many assembled by Alexander Shaw in 1787. The samples were cut from larger pieces of tapa collected on Captain Cook’s voyages to the Pacific (1768, 1772, 1776) and represent tapa-making practices from various islands including Hawai‘i, Tahiti and Tonga. While the books contain only fragments of much larger creations, they highlight the variety of textures and artistry attained through the practices, knowledge, and skills of Pacific peoples.
Held in Tahiti in 2023, 'Ahu: Ngā Wairua o Hina brought tapa makers of Tongan, Sāmoan, Niuean, Fijian, Hawaiian, Tahitian, Pitcairn-Norfolk Island, and Māori descent. Over five days this group worked together to re-establish their living relationships to the cloth held within the Alexander Shaw book. Through a process of wānanga this group of makers created two tapa bundles, incorporating the ideas of past, present, and future. Today, one of the bundles resides with Te Papa and the other with Te Fare Iamanaha-Musée de Tahiti et des Îles.