ngatu

Ngatu is the traditional barkcloth of Tonga and other parts of Polynesia, known in English as tapa. The term ngatu specifically denotes this decorated fabric in the Tongan language. It functions as a ceremonial textile with social and symbolic importance, often produced for rites, gifts, and special occasions, and it reflects status and lineage within communities.

Ngatu is made from the inner bark of the paper mulberry tree (Broussonetia papyrifera). The bark is harvested, softened, and beaten with wooden mallets to split and flatten it into a long sheet. Several sheets may be joined by further beating and pressing to form a larger fabric. After drying, artists apply patterns using natural dyes, brushes, or stamping tools. The designs are typically geometric and symbolic, conveying information about the maker’s village, family, or social position.

Historically, ngatu played a central role in ceremonial exchanges, weddings, funerals, and other significant events. It serves as a tangible expression of mana and prestige, and its production is often a community activity involving specialized knowledge and substantial labor. The value of ngatu lies in both the material cloth and the relationships, reciprocity, and status it embodies within social networks.

In contemporary contexts, ngatu continues to be produced for cultural ceremonies and preserved as an art form. Some practitioners blend traditional motifs with modern designs, and ngatu appears in museums and exhibitions around the world. Efforts to sustain traditional techniques accompany ongoing interest from researchers, educators, and tourists, supporting both cultural heritage and living practice.