The Tahitian Queen of Tapa

Interview with Hinatea COLOMBANI – 10-minute read.

In our Hine Series at Eimeo, we celebrate cultural ambassadors who inspire and uplift. This month, we spotlight Hinatea Colombani, an emerging artist deeply rooted in her Tahitian heritage. Hinatea blends tradition with innovation, using her art to bridge the past and the future.

From Dance to Tapa Making

Hinatea’s passion for tapa—a traditional Tahitian cloth—was ignited at just 14 years old during a performance where she wore 6 meters of tapa cloth, inspired by her grandmother from Aitutaki. As a dance teacher, her curiosity about tapa-making led her to a festival in Pirae, Tahiti, where she noticed a lack of Tahitian representation. This realization, combined with her connection to tapa trees like paper mulberry and banyan, fueled her journey into tapa-making.

For the past three years, Hinatea and her partner Moe have been perfecting their craft in a secluded valley in Papara. In September 2023, she proudly represented Tahiti at a seminar at the Museum of Tahiti, where her work received high praise from renowned Hawaiian tapa maker Dalani. Her skills continued to grow during a two-week seminar in New Zealand.

 

Bridging Past and Future.

As both a graphic and visual artist, Hinatea’s tapa-making reflects a vibrant connection to her ancestors and the future. She dreams of every family having a cultural space to practice tapa-making, nurturing a community that honors its heritage. After exhibiting her work in “HOTU, Lune à l’autre” in Tahiti, following her debut at the 24th Biennale of Sydney, she embraced her identity as an artist with newfound confidence.

Hinatea draws parallels between the fluidity of dance and the process of tapa-making, finding joy in their interconnectedness. This lifelong journey is about honoring her culture and sharing it with others.

 

Fluidity as Style

Hinatea’s approach to tapa-making is rooted in creative freedom. Without traditional mentorship, she and Moe explore spontaneous expression while incorporating time-honored practices. Inspired by nature—the shadows, breezes, and star trails—Hinatea’s process is intuitive, grounded in contemplation. She experiences a spiritual connection with her materials, envisioning colors and textures as she works.

For Hinatea and Moe, tapa-making has become more than a passion—it’s their way of life. Working side by side, they find joy in the process, learning that imperfections are an integral part of creation. Hinatea’s intuitive approach challenges cultural conventions, offering a fresh perspective on the ancient art of tapa.

An Ode to “Mama Fenua”

Hinatea celebrates nature through her dance and art, recognizing it as a source of inspiration. Her tapa-making honors the environment, from planting trees to harvesting bark and creating natural pigments. She emphasizes that true artistic expression stems from a deep connection with the Earth.

Her art is storytelling and a way to engage intimately with her surroundings. Hinatea’s journey showcases the vital relationship between creativity and the natural world.



My Dream

Through her exploration of tapa, Hinatea has come to understand its significant role in Tahitian culture. While dance celebrates special occasions, tapa is woven into everyday life, necessitating ongoing care for tapa cloth trees and regular practice. This traditional material embodies both the mundane and the sacred, encouraging a full experience of culture.

As a cultural ambassador, Hinatea underscores the impact of the Ari’oi cultural center, which has welcomed over 12,000 visitors in the past decade. It serves as a model for enhancing cultural identity and outreach, with potential for replication in other communities. Funded by Hinatea and her partners, the Ari’oi center aims to foster cultural awareness among locals and international visitors. Her dream is to hear the rhythmic beating of “i’e” or wooden mallets in every Tahitian household, ensuring that the art of tapa-making thrives for generations to come.

Hinatea Colombani Trunk Show at Eimeo Boutique Waikiki

Date: October 25th
Time: 5 PM – 9 PM
Location: Eimeo Boutique Waikiki

  • Discover Hinatea’s Unique Tapa Art: Explore a stunning collection of tapa art that reflects her deep connection to Tahitian heritage.

  • Savor Traditional Tahitian Cuisine: Delight your taste buds with ‘awa (traditional drink), poisson cru (raw fish), taro, vegetarian fafa, and refreshing SummerClub bubbles.

  • Experience Live Tahitian Music and Dance: Enjoy captivating performances by Tahiti Mana featuring Mana Maehaa, bringing the spirit of Tahiti to life.

Don’t miss this special opportunity to connect with Tahitian artistry and culture. We look forward to seeing you there!