Overview
Papua New Guinea is one of the most culturally diverse countries in the world, with over 800 languages and at least as many cultural groups. But only a few of these groups make tapa cloth.
Papua New Guineans make tapa cloth from various types of trees, such as breadfruit, fig, paper mulberry, and other mangrove trees. They might add decorations such as seeds, feathers, or shell money, particularly for ceremonial occasions during which tapa has customarily been worn.
This collection narrative is based on the Tapa: Pacific Style exhibition on display at Te Papa, level 4 (September 2009 - September 2010).