How was tapa cloth made and decorated in Polynesia?

In Polynesia, tapa cloth—also known as bark cloth—was traditionally manufactured by women using the inner bark of trees, most commonly the paper mulberry or banyan. The process involved pounding the bark into thin, flexible sheets, which were then assembled to create various items of clothing, such as loincloths, capes, skirts, and headdresses.1

The decoration of tapa was a sophisticated craft involving several distinct techniques:2

• Painting: Abstract designs were applied using pigments derived from vegetables and ochres.2
• Stenciling: Patterns were created using leaf templates.2
• Rubbing: Cloth was placed over relief-design tables to transfer patterns.2
• Stamping and Printing: Designs were applied using carved bamboo rollers or stamps.2
• Watermarking: This technique was also used to create subtle patterns within the fabric.1

Beyond these methods, finished tapa items were often further embellished by attaching natural ornaments, including feathers, shells, and animal teeth.1