What is Kupesi?
Kupesi is the design printed and drawn on the ngatu. Each kupesi has a meaning, a history and place of origin which tells the place of origin of the ngatu and its makers. Often the kupesi drawn into a piece of ngatu marks historical events and co-relates to Tongan cosmology, seasons and the environment.
What is Tokelau Feletoa?
The woman who designed this patter was Hulita Tu’ifua and she came from the northern part of the village of feletoa – hence the name: Tokelau (north) Feletoa (the village of Feletoa) Fata ‘o Tu’i Tonga – refering to the house of the king, in particular, the central beam.
How do you make ngatu?
The process of making ngatu begins with stripping the bark from the tree and then separating the inner and outer bark. The stripped bark is then cut into strips and beaten – which transforms the strip into a wider piece resembling a fibrous fabric.
What do Polynesian tribal tattoos mean?
Historically there was no writing in Polynesian culture so the Polynesian’s used tattoo art that was full of distinctive signs to express their identity and personality. Tattoos would indicate status in a hierarchical society as well as sexual maturity, genealogy and ones rank within the society.
How is Tongan ngatu made?
Ngatu is made from the bark of hiapo (paper mulberry tree). Only men may tend hiapo while it is growing but, once it has been harvested, only women may turn the hiapo bark into ngatu. The process of making ngatu begins with stripping the bark from the tree and then separating the inner and outer bark.
What was hiapo used for?
The most important traditional uses for tapa were for clothing, bedding and wall hangings. Textiles were often specially prepared and decorated for people of rank. Tapa was ceremonially displayed on special occasions, such as birthdays and weddings. In sacred contexts, tapa was used to wrap images of deities.
What is tapa in Tonga?
Tapa cloth (or simply tapa) is a barkcloth made in the islands of the Pacific Ocean, primarily in Tonga, Samoa and Fiji, but as far afield as Niue, Cook Islands, Futuna, Solomon Islands, Java, New Zealand, Vanuatu, Papua New Guinea and Hawaii (where it is called kapa).
What is the meaning of tapa cloth?
What was tapa used for?
Can a non Polynesian person get a Polynesian tattoo?
If you are not of Polynesian descent, both options are equally valid.
What does a feather tattoo symbolize?
The feather represents freedom, trust, honor, and strength, among other things. The powerful meaning associated with this symbol makes it a great tattoo, regardless of the size.
What is Fijian Masi?
Masi, also known as barkcloth, is a textile made by women in Fiji using bark fibers. An important and traditional art form, Fijian masi is famous for its beautiful craftwork and designs. Today, masi ranges in size from a place mat to the length of a long wall!
What is kapa Hawaiian?
Kapa is bark cloth made into beautiful textures, patterns, and colors. Kapa making is an art that reached perfection in Polynesia, and in ancient Hawai’i, kapa was used in nearly every aspect of life.
What is Hawaiian tapa?
What do flowers represent in Chinese culture?
Some flowers represent seasons or months: for example the four seasons are represented by flowering cherry (winter), orchid (spring), bamboo (summer) and chrysanthemum (fall). Others have symbolic meanings based on their Chinese names.
What do the flowers mean to you?
But without understanding the floriography—the meanings associated with certain flowers—the symbolism and thus underlying message could go over your head. Some flowers represent seasons or months: for example the four seasons are represented by flowering cherry (winter), orchid (spring), bamboo (summer) and chrysanthemum (fall).
What do peonies symbolize?
Peonies are the flower of spring, also known as the “queen of flowers.”. The flowers symbolize fame and wealth.
What are some flowers that represent good luck?
1 Iris. On the lunar day May 5, Irises are hung over doors to repel evil spirits. 2 Magnolia. Magnolias were once so precious, that only Chinese emperors were allowed to own them. 3 Peony. 4 Lotus. 5 Chrysanthemum. 6 Hibiscus. 7 Lily. 8 Orchid. 9 Other Flower Symbolism. 10 Sources and Further Reading.