Unknown Maker, Samoan

These wrap skirts feature prominent crossed stripes that form parallelograms and triangles in the negative spaces between them. The saw-tooth edging on the stripes is an ancient design element common throughout the Pacific. The hemline fringe on both skirts is cut to echo the bold painted patterns of the tapa. These pieces feature the heavy resinous glaze typical of Samoan tapa painted with 'o'a sap mixed with a black dye from lama nut kernels.