Tapa making (or masi, as it is also known in Fiji) is traditionally a craft associated with women, where beaten bark is decorated with symbolic patterns. Tapa cloth was formerly made to use as clothing. Nowadays it is valued as decoration and is worn during traditional ceremonies. Patterns on this tapa cloth include flowers and the Fijian hair comb.
maximum dimension:3000mm
subject area: Maori and Pacifica, Social Science, The Arts, English and Languages, Technology, Mathematics
subject themes: Fijian Culture, Pacific Islands, Handcrafts, Traditional Fabrics, Geometric Patterns
handling collection number: HC197
Why not get your hands on:
Fijian kava bowl > https://www.handsontauranga.co.nz/hot-items/taonga-maori-plus-taonga-pasifika/fijian-kava-bowl-hc202/
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Teaching and learning activity ideas - Fijian Tapa Cloth
Note: Resources needed for the following activities are not provided by Hands on Tauranga.
These ideas below have been written with the help of Co-Pilot.
1. Create Your Own Tapa-Inspired Art
- Activity: Use brown paper or fabric and natural colors (like black, brown, and white) to design geometric patterns inspired by Fijian masi.
- Learning Outcome: Understand traditional motifs and their meanings while practicing symmetry and pattern-making.
2. Storytelling Through Symbols
- Activity: Learn about the meanings behind common masi/tapa cloth symbols (e.g., waves, fish, leaves), then create a story using a sequence of these symbols.
- Learning Outcome: Explore visual storytelling and cultural symbolism.
3. Collaborative Masi Panel
- Activity: Each student designs a square with a unique tapa pattern. Combine them into a class masi wall hanging.
- Learning Outcome: Foster teamwork and appreciation for communal art-making.
4. Map the Pacific Tapa Traditions
- Activity: Use a map to locate Fiji and other tapa-producing cultures (e.g., Tonga, Samoa, Niue). Compare styles and uses.
- Learning Outcome: Develop geographic awareness and cultural comparison skills.
5. Tapa Cloth Timeline
- Activity: Research and create a timeline showing how masi/tapa cloth has been used in Fijian society—from traditional ceremonies to modern art.
- Learning Outcome: Understand the historical and evolving role of tapa in Fijian culture.
6. Watch and Reflect
- Activity: Watch a short documentary or video such as this one https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OTYg06CtxGw showing how masi / tapa cloth is made in Fiji. Discuss the process and cultural significance.
- Learning Outcome: Build empathy and understanding of traditional craftsmanship.
7. Interview or Guest Speaker
- Activity: Invite a Fijian artist or elder (in person or virtually) to talk about masi / tapa cloth. Prepare questions in advance.
- Learning Outcome: Practice respectful inquiry and oral history skills.
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