18th Century Tapa Cloth
Research has been undertaken into the origin of tapa cloth specimens collected during the three Pacific voyages of Captain Cook. Many tapa samples collected on the voyages were cut up and assembled into a small number of volumes by Alexander Shaw in 1787. The cloth specimens are highly significant because they are some of the few surviving examples of tapa production in the Pacific region prior to European contact. After Europeans visited the islands, decorative pattern and techniques were influenced by the introduction of European textiles and metal tools.
Stylistic elements and methods of manufacture were studied to help determine the origin of the specimens. With the assistance of various tapa and plant specialists from a number of organizations including Dr Adrienne Kaeppler from the Smithsonian Institute in Washington, twenty one specimens were found to be Hawaiian, twelve Tahitian and six Tongan.