MARLA MALLETT: TEXTILES Launima Nagatu, - Tapa Cloth  Tonga, South Pacific 12'10"x 5'7" Mid-20th century. This large tapa cloth, from the Polynesian island of Tonga, is made of strips of mulberry bark fiber that have been pounded to softened them and make a paper-like textile for ritual use.  It is stamped and hand painted.  See photos and read about the process and the use of these cloths. W-1089.  Detail below NOTE:  This piece has been sold; it is left here for information purposes only. To see a variety of textile art, go to our HOME page.