Image

Z0005595.jpg

Unknown Maker, Samoan

Long wrap skirt (lavalava)

Description

Maker

Unknown Maker, Samoan

Culture

Samoan

Title

Long wrap skirt (lavalava)

Year

ca. 1940-1950

Medium

Materials/Techniques

Techniques

Materials

bark

Geography

Place Made: Samoa

Dimensions

Length: 124.5 cm (49 inches)

Credit / Object Number

Credit

Gift of Captain and Mrs. Robert Chew

Object Number

46.494

Type

Exhibition History

Exhibition History

Cloth Without Weaving
Beaten Barkcloth of the Pacific Islands
Nov 01, 2000 – Feb 18, 2001

Label copy

Slight design variations within the 12 similarly patterned panels add rhythmic movement to this freehand painted composition. The piece appears to have been inspired by nontraditional sources. The 12 panels are reminiscent of striped zebra hide, and the scalloped border could be the tapa­maker's interpretation of European lace edging. Throughout the 20th century, new motifs derived from other cultures entered the visual vocabulary of Pacific barkcloth designers.

Pacific Islands Tapa Cloth
Jul 17, 1992 – Oct 18, 1992

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Tombstone

Unknown Maker, Samoan
Long wrap skirt (lavalava), ca. 1940-1950
Beaten bark fiber, freehand painting with cut border
Length: 124.5 cm (49 inches)
Gift of Captain and Mrs. Robert Chew 46.494

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