The PNG Tapa Cloth from the Te Papa Museum collection.

Papua New Guinea has one of the most unusual collections of bark cloth (tapa) in the world.  The art of making tapa is a timeless tradition in PNG and many Pacific Island countries. A cultural heritage handed down from generation to generation, tapa making has survived western influences and is still worn by its makers.

While the tapa cloth is made in different parts of the country, the Oro Province is known world-wide for its distinctive designs and patterns. More on tapa in a future post.