Bark Cloth, Samoa, Siapo

Siapo, also known as tapa, is one of the oldest Samoan cultural art forms. Siapo is not only a decorative art, it is a symbol of Samoan culture. It's uses include clothing, burial shrouds, bed covers, ceremonial garments and much more. There are two forms of Siapo, Siapo 'Elei (The Rubbing Method) and Siapo Mamanu (The Freehand Method).

Made by Salavao Tiapula in the 1960s. She came from Western Samoa as a “Taupou” or princess. She married Chief Tafau Tiapuula before WWII and they had eleven children, may of which attended college in California.

Construction: Siapo is the Samoan term for decorated tapa. Tapa is used to describe only the undecorated bark cloth, the bark of the paper mulberry tree, two layers, raw edges. Polymer (shinny) coating over entire surface.

Techniques:
Culture/Origin: Samoan
Geographic Location: American Samoa
Credit Line: Gift of John Powell