Samoan, Samoa

Bordered on three sides with a cut saw-tooth pattern, this large piece of barkcloth is probably a lavalava or wrap skirt worn as ceremonial dress by both men and women. The plain edge would be wrapped around the waist and secured with a belt, also made from tapa. Bold, freehand painted designs are typical of Samoan tapa. Here the artist depicts bamboo-patterned stripes, panels of palm leaves, and feathered triangles.