The Art of Tapa

Tapa, also known as siapo or kapa in other Pacific islands, is a traditional cloth made from the inner bark of the paper mulberry tree (aute). For centuries, Polynesian women have practiced this craft, transforming raw bark into delicate, hand-beaten sheets that carry deep cultural and spiritual meaning.

The process is both meticulous and sacred: the bark is soaked, softened, and rhythmically beaten until it becomes supple like paper. The cloth is then dried under the sun and decorated with natural pigments derived from plants, roots, or earth. Each motif tells a story, one of nature, genealogy, or spiritual connection, turning every piece into a living testimony of Polynesian identity.

Tapa is more than a tradition; it is a dialogue between generations. It speaks of love for the land, of living in tune with nature, and of remembering those who came before. Through each chant and movement, one feels the ancient belief that creating is an offering, a gesture of balance, humility, and respect.

A Moment of Connection

As Hinatea shared her knowledge and the history behind each step, the atmosphere grew intimate and inspiring. The room was filled with laughter and heartfelt curiosity. When the workshop began, each participant had the chance to create their own tapa from scratch, from preparing the bark to shaping the final piece of cloth.

At one point, Hinatea taught us the traditional Song of Tapa, a sacred chant that once guided the rhythm of beating the bark. Its melody resonated through everyone, creating a solemn and emotional moment, as if time had paused to honor our ancestors’ ways.

While the tapa sheets dried under the Polynesian sun, participants prepared natural inks from seeds and local pigments, before adding their own creative touches. The results were stunning with each design reflecting a unique personality, yet all sharing a sense of unity and heritage.

This experience was truly one of a kind. It allowed us not only to reconnect with Polynesian roots and values but also to strengthen our sense of community, one of the core pillars of EIMEO’s identity. Together, we rediscovered that beauty and meaning lie in the gestures of creation, in the stories we carry, and in the bonds that unite us.