Tongan Ngatu - Tapa

We just introduced on our website a new artisan and some of her initial offerings. Melenaite Tovo, a Tongan cultural expert, has created ngatu, or tapa as it is known in English, for us. Her first 5 pieces are now online available in our artisan section. She hand paints each piece using traditional methods. It goes without saying that each piece is unique and one of a kind.

The tapa or ngatu are typical small pieces that depict traditional Tongan motifs. The piece that you see here features the Kalou which represents the inside cross-section of the mapa seed. This is surrounded by borders of the design called Manulua, one of the oldest of Polynesian design and Fata 'o Tu'i Tonga which refer to the sennit bindings that hold the central beam in a royal house.

In addition to our initial offerings, check back soon for the introduction of the larger pieces (seen here below) which can be used for a number of uses including costumes, wall hangings and other creative uses.

Today, ngatu is used for gifts, ritual dress and decorations. In Tongan culture, tapa making continues to occupy a position of importance and prestige. The methods used today are the same as in ancient times before the European explorers set foot on the "friendly islands."

Take a look at a video introducing how Tongan tapa is made. This is a film produced by the Documentary Educational Resources company.

Call to Polynesian Artisans

You may or may not know, but we get the majority of our products from artisans. Whether they call themselves that or not is up to them. But we like to consider all our handicrafters as artisans.

That is why we are opening up a new section on our website featuring artisans of Polynesia. We've got some great Tahitian black pearl jewelry artisans and costume designers that have won awards in many competitions and events. Our first two artisans, Pola Teriipaia and Tahia Parker are accomplished award-winning ra'atira and costume designers. You can take peek at their section here. They have more designs and ideas and we can't wait to unveil them in the coming months.

We also obviously realize that there are so many other artisans out there. Many of them don't have websites. This is a great way for those artisans to reach a larger audience without having to create, purchase and maintain their own website. We even take care of shipping, operational issues and accepting credit cards.

So if you are a Polynesian artisan wanting more exposure, more income, and more clients, consider becoming one of our artisans. Our artisans participating in the section decide on the price, details, options, and timing. All we ask for is a commission and a percentage for covering shipping and handling expenses and charges. We'd love to hear from you and we work on an individual basis because each artisan has their own individual needs and circumstances. Email Scott at scott@blackpearldesigns.net

Black Pearl Designs is looking for artisans who create traditional reproductions, original art, fashions, carvings, music and the like of Polynesian products including Tahitian, Hawaiian, Maori, Fijian, Marquesan, Rarotongan, Tongan and Samoan among others.

We have a built in audience who are more likely to know your product designs or are familiar with the Polynesian cultures in general. Our audience is interested in Polynesian culture, dance, tattooing, art, and music. Contact us today.