Traditional Tongan Geometric design Peachskin Fabric # 2 | Islands Fabric

• Content: 100% polyester 
  
• Dimensions: 45 inches (width) by 36 inches (yard cut)
• QUANTITY=YARD

Product Description

Experience the elegance of Pacific heritage with our Traditional Tongan Geometric Design. This fabric features intricate, symmetrical motifs inspired by the ancient art of kupesi (pattern rubbing), traditionally used to decorate Tongan ngatu. The sophisticated gray and black palette honors the natural earth-toned dyes—derived from candlenut soot and mangrove bark—used by Tongan artisans for centuries.

Crafted on premium Peachskin fabric, this material offers a buttery-soft finish and a graceful drape, making it ideal for modern island wear, ceremonial attire, or unique home accents that tell a story of tradition and resilience.

Historical & Cultural Facts

• The Art of Ngatu: In Tongan culture, decorated barkcloth is known as ngatu. It is considered a form of "cultural wealth" (koloa) and is an essential gift for significant life events like weddings, funerals, and royal investitures.

• Symbolic Language: Tongan designs are often "heliaki" (metaphorical). Geometric patterns can represent everything from the environment—such as the tokelau feletoa (wind from the north) or manulua (bird motifs)—to historical milestones, like the appearance of Halley's Comet in 1910.

• Generational Craft: Traditionally, ngatu is a communal creation. Groups of women work together to beat the inner bark of the paper mulberry tree (hiapo) and rub the cloth over hand-carved kupesi blocks to transfer these iconic patterns.

• A Royal Heritage: Tonga is renowned as the "master of tapa making" in the Pacific. These designs were historically used to denote social status, with the most intricate patterns reserved for chiefs and royalty.

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There are NO REFUNDS NOR EXCHANGES on all cut to size fabric. 

PRICE IS ONLINE ONLY. NOT VALID IN STORES.