Although some Tongans no longer speak the language, most continue to have a strong sense of identity and they have learnt to adapt Tongan traditions to the New Zealand setting. For example in 1996, 14 Tongans, who called themselves ‘Ilo Me‘a Fo‘ou’ (New Creations), made this tapa cloth in Upper Hutt. In the absence of the paper mulberry bark which is used in Tonga, they used synthetic felted material purchased from a fabric shop and pasted together.
Using this item
Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa
Reference:
I.006634
Permission of the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa must be obtained before any re-use of this image.
Comments
hi there I was wanting to
amanda (not verified)
02 May 2012
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