Masi FIJI

Masi (tapa) FIJI.2180 x 1560
 
Tapa is made throughout the Pacific and is the name for barkcloth made from the inner bark or bast of the paper mulberry tree (Broussentia papyrifera), . In Fiji, it is known as masi and is made exclusively by women. Masi is made by stripping the bark from the plant, separating the inner bark, and beating it with a wooden mallet, usually on a wooden anvil. It is then stencilled and painted with natural paints. It is used in various ceremonies and as garments, turbans , wall hangings and room dividers. It is also used in cultural exchange and is and extremely popular as affordable decorative art.