This impressive large example of Tapa cloth (or Ngatu) from Tonga is full of rich imagry including animals and a coat of arms. Dating to the mid-twentieth century it is made of the inner bark of the mulberry tree. Tapa was frequently used as a circulating gift, given at weddings, funerals, or other special occasions and very large pieces of Tapa were considered a symbol of wealth.
 
This piece measures 67"h X 118"w. It has two carved wooden rods on the top and bottom to hold and hang it on the wall.