Ngatu (tapa cloth)

This is a fragment of a large ngatu (tapa cloth) from the islands of Tonga. Ngatu is highly valued in Tongan society, and used for special occasions such as wedding and funeral ceremonies.

Significance

This example of a ngatu is dated 1932, and makes reference to former King of Tonga, Siaosi Taufa’ahau when he was a school boy. It is decorated with motifs of sporting trophies and a shield featuring cricket bats, a ball and wickets. There are also images of shooting stars, hermit crabs and a wreath.

Acquisition history

This ngatu was collected by Miss Valerie Morris in Fiji in 1964 from a part Tongan named Epeli. She gifted it to the museum in 1989.