HISTORY, TECHNOLOGY, DESIGN AND PRESERVATION
 
Embedded Nature: Tapa Cloths from the Pacific Islands is a new exhibit at
the Peabody Museum-Harvard University that features a selection of the
museum's tapa collections and highlights efforts to preserve these valuable
cultural artifacts.  Tapa or barkcloth-making technology was once known in
communities covering nearly half the globe. The exhibit features some of
the earliest known tapa from the Pacific Islands as well as recent gifts of
constructed tapa items from Tonga and the Cook Islands.  Included in the
display is an extremely rare and beautifully decorated tunic from Niue an
eighteen-foot long tapa cloth curtain from Fiji, a Hawaiian kapa moe
(bedspread), several dresses and loincloths, a finely produced headdress
from French Polynesia, as well as tapa beaters and tools used in the
production and decoration of the cloth. Regional variations in technology,
design and use of tapa are presented and conservation challenges and
solutions are examined. Contact T.Rose Holdcraft at [log in to unmask]
about the recent tapa conservation effort and exhibit.  For programming
events, contact Pamela Gerardi at [log in to unmask] or 617-496-0099.
The exhibit is on the third floor of the Peabody Museum, located at 11
Divinity Avenue on the Harvard University campus in Cambridge, MA until
January 31, 2003.