Tongan Ngatu
Most pieces on this page are sold, the ones which are for sale can
be found on the Tapa cloths for sale/ specials page.
Iconic vintage Ngatu, a rare piece which tells major events in the history of the Tongan Islands. Focus is the Tongan Coat of Arms, surrounded by 'The Grace of God and the King of Tonga' Above that is the Tree of Life sprouting. On the left is Ha'amonga 'a Maui (Burden of Maui) this is a stone trilithon located in the north of the island of Tongatapu. The trilithon is constructed from three coral limestone slabs, and is up to 5.2 m high, 1.4 m wide, 5.8 m long. The weight of the visible part of each upright stone is approximately 30 - 40 tons. Ha'amonga 'a Maui was built at the beginning of the 13th century and is of huge importance to the Tongans. The early visitors to the Islands get a mention: Captain Cook and his ship, and the mutiny on the ship of Captain Bligh in 1789 is noted, how he and some of the crew were put in an open boat near the Islands. There are the active volcanoes Tofua and Kao with dark clouds above. Beneath all this a map of Tonga has been drawn pointing out blow holes and flying foxes... All the scenes are painted in naive style and child like hand writing which adds a touch of charm to the whole piece. This is in good condition,no rips,holes or loose parts. Dimensions: 1175 mm x 1030 mm. $250.00 SOLD
Vintage Ngatu from Ca. 1970's in excellent condition. These basic motifs are the oldest patterns used on artifacts in many other cultures apart from the Pacific, like Africa, Asia and the Middle East. This one from Tonga is commonly recognized, yet has become hard to find these days. Dimensions: 1170 mm x 440 mm. SOLD
Interesting Ngatu with traditional motifs given a modern twist. Instead of placing the dove of peace, falcon and British lion in neat rows they are randomly floating around, giving this Ngatu a very playful outlook. Very good condition, apart from some darker patches. Dimensions: 1510 mm x 1220 mm. SOLD
Collector's piece, probably part of a much larger piece at one stage. This Ngatu features British Spitfire aircraft. Under the influence of Queen Salote, Tonga raised money to purchase 4 Spitfire aircraft for Britain during World War II. Extremely rare, only a few of these survive. Dimensions: 1850 mm x 1360 mm. Excellent condition. Dimensions: 2m x 470mm. SOLD
Large Authentic Ngatu or Tapa cloth from Ca. 1970's. The words Sisi Falahola are written underneath. Sisi Falahola means garland of a particular indigenous flower from the islands. The designs in the middle are Fata 'o Tu'i Tonga, referring to the Palace of the King. The crosses represent the sennit bindings which hold the support of the central beam, which supports the thatched roof. Good condition. Dimensions are 1520 mm x 1400 mm. SOLD
Iconic vintage Ngatu, a rare piece which tells of major events in the history of the Tongan Islands. Focus is the Tongan Coat of Arms, surrounded by 'The Grace of God and the King of Tonga' Above that is the Tree of Life sprouting. On the left is Ha'amonga 'a Maui (Burden of Maui) this is a stone trilithon located in the north of the island of Tongatapu. The trilithon is constructed from three coral limestone slabs, and is up to 5.2 m high, 1.4 m wide, 5.8 m long. The weight of the visible part of each upright stone is approximately 30 - 40 tons. Ha'amonga 'a Maui was built at the beginning of the 13th century and is of huge importance to the Tongans. The early visitors to the Islands get a mention: Captain Cook and his ship, and the mutiny on the ship of Captain Bligh in 1789 is noted, how he and some of the crew were put in an open boat near the Islands. There are the active volcanoes Tofua and Kao with dark clouds above. Beneath all this a map of Tonga has been drawn pointing out blow holes and flying foxes... All the scenes are painted in naive style and child like hand writing which adds a touch of charm to the whole piece. (note the spelling of King-tom) I have sold an almost identical Ngatu like this which can be found on the page 'Tongan Ngatu'. This one is in better condition. Dimensions: 1090 mm x 930 mm. $225.00 SOLD
This is a wonderful example of a vibrantly freehand painted Tongan Ngatu or Tapa Cloth by the well known Tongan artist Lavinia Petiola Taufa. Focus is on the turtle, symbol of good fortune, cleverly incorporating flowers and petal borders as well. Excellent condition. Dimensions 535 mm x 510 mm. SOLD
Traditional Ngatu. The figurative symbol of the Lion is synonymous with The King of Tonga and his long relationship with Britain. It also symbolizes historic battles fought and conquered by Tongan Kings and warriors. This is in excellent unused condition ,so no holes,rips or loose parts. Dimensions are: 1930 mm x 1080 mm. SOLD
This is a wonderful example of a vibrantly freehand painted Tongan Ngatu or Tapa Cloth by the well known Tongan artist Lavinia Petiola Taufa. Focus is on the turtle, symbol of good fortune, cleverly incorporating flowers and petal borders as well. Excellent condition. Dimensions 480 mm x 445 mm. $55.00 SOLD
Large Authentic Ngatu or Tapa cloth. The words Sisi Falahola are written underneath.Sisi Falahola means garland of a particular indigenous flower from the islands. The designs in the middle are Fata 'o Tu'i Tonga, referring to the Palace of the King. The crosses represent the sennit bindings which hold the support of the central beam, supporting the thatched roof. Old but in good condition,no holes,rips or loose parts. Dimensions are 1530 mm x 1480 mm. SOLD
Vintage Ngatu,approx. 80 years old.This is an important piece,intricately hand painted. The motifs on it are significant to Island life,the Kalou and the Tokelaufeletoa symbols.Due to its age the barkcloth shows irregularities.However,no rips,tears or holes.
Dimensions are 1770 mm x 1689 mm. $1700.00 SOLD
Large Ngatu,with central design of Tongan Coat of Arms.The Crown symbolises the ruling monarchy, the King of Tonga. The text on the scroll at the bottom reads Ko e ʻOtua mo Tonga ko hoku Tofiʻa in the Tongan language: 'God and Tonga are my inheritance'.This is in very good condition.No holes,tears or loose parts.Dimensions are: 1900 mm x 1800 mm SOLD
Hand painted Ngatu.The most prominent motifs are the 2 'Doves of Peace' surrounded by naturalistic plant motifs and garlands of leaves,Frangipani flower designs & a variation on the traditional Manulua pattern.
This Ngatu has been line carefully lined with non woven (spun bonded) Manifi to extend its life. In excellent condition,no tears,holes or loose parts.
Dimensions are 1880 mm x 1020 mm. SOLD
Vintage Ngatu.'Good Tidings' that is the message of the story behind this Ngatu.There is a lot going on.The harvest is plentiful,(mapa plants)Fishing is good,'Tokelau Felatoa'(cross-section of tunas) the sun is out and the tree of life is blossoming in the center.There is dancing and movement incorporated between the motifs,this is a Celebration of Life on the Tongan Islands.This is in fair to good condition,and has irregularities in the bark cloth consistent with age.No holes,tears or loose parts though.Dimensions: 2040 mm x 490 mm. $175.00 SOLD
Authentic vintage Ngatu or Tapa cloth.
'Koe sisi maile' which is a garland of leaves or lei made of the maile plant.
Members of Tongan Royal family wore such a garlands on certain ceremonial occasions.
Very old,but still in very good condition,no loose parts,tears or fading.
Dimensions are 940 mm x 650 mm. SOLD
Traditional Ngatu or Tapa cloth.
The three swords represent the three dynasties or lines of the Kings of Tonga, namely the Tu Tonga, Tu Ha atakalaua and Tu Kanokupolu.
The three stars symbolize the main island groups of Tonga, which are Tongatapu, Vava u and Ha apai.
The Crown symbolizes the ruling monarchy, the King of Tonga.
The back ground of this Ngatu has been left light,it has not been infused with dyes,which makes the designs stand out more,especially if displayed on a dark colored wall.
This Ngatu is made of Pandanus leaves,which has a soft quality to it,but is very brittle.It has some imperfections and irregularities,not caused by insects or wear & tear,rather characteristic of the material.
Dimensions are 1850 mm x 1550 mm. SOLD
Traditional Ngatu.
The figurative symbol of the Lion is synonymous with The King of Tonga and his long relationship with Britain.
It also symbolizes historic battles fought and conquered by Tongan Kings and warriors.
This is in excellent unused condition ,so no holes,rips or loose parts.
Dimensions are: 1930 mm x 1080 mm. SOLD
An excellent example of an intricately free hand painted Ngatu. The motifs suggest celebrating local harvest, with Tongan staple diet, with fruit and flowers as well. This tapa (bark cloth) on which the designs are created is of much better and softer quality than most. Dimensions: 1670 mm x 865 mm. SOLD
Old Ngatu,with traditional symbols of "Hala Paini' the avenue of Norfolk pines which line the way to the Royal Palace,The Royal Coat of Arms,The British Lion which symbolizes the connection with Tonga, the aristocratic Eagle and the Dove of Peace are all incorporated.In good used condition,No loose parts,rips or tears.Dimensions are: 2050 mm x 1970 mm. SOLD
Authentic vintage Ngatu or Tapa cloth from Tonga.
Old design - "Koe Kalauni" - (coronation or succession to the crown)
At least 70 years old I have been told.
Deep sienna and rusty colors incorporated in the design.
This is still in good condition for its age,no fading,holes,tears or loose parts.
Dimensions are 900 mm x 630 mm SOLD
Ngatu of superb quality and design.Generally speaking the bark cloth base of the Ngatu is often quite coarse and has natural imperfections and irregularities.This Ngatu has a more even surface and carries a beautifully balanced design.I like this so much that I have taken 2 pictures of how it can be displayed:-)Dimensions are: 1910 mm x 1750 mm. $355.00 SOLD
Rare Ngatu,' TONGA MO'UNGA KI HE LOTO' is the motto for the Weslyan Schools like Toloa, Nafualu, Queen Salote College, Pilolevu, and Mailefihi.. MAAMALOA. and LOUMAILE were educational awards like degrees that were awarded to the seniors of these High School/Colleges for being outstanding and awarded to senoirs who earned about 96%- 100% all around score on all scholastic subjects. Apart from the birds (meaning high flyers) the other little animals are no turtles, but hermit crabs something to do with how the hermit crab will toil tirelessly to better itself by seeking to broaden the mind and so on and so forth...This fine piece is very good condition. Dimensions: 2170 mm x 1270 mm. SOLD
This Ngatu or Tapa cloth has interesting geometrical patterns on a plain background,which is quite unusual.
It gives the Tapa quite a contemporary look.
Also,only black dyes are being used,the popular brown dye is not present.
Phrases on Tapa are: Koesisiotukuaho Mohonopapaifa.
This Tapa is signed with K '75 on the reverse side.
So it must be 37 years old,is still in very good condition,no tears,holes or fading.
Dimensions are 1700 mm x 1660 mm SOLD
Large Ngatu,with central design of Tongan Coat of Arms.The Crown symbolises the ruling monarchy, the King of Tonga. The text on the scroll at the bottom reads Ko e ʻOtua mo Tonga ko hoku Tofiʻa in the Tongan language: 'God and Tonga are my inheritance'.This is in very good condition.No holes,tears or loose parts.Dimensions are: 1900 mm x 1800 mm $575.00 SOLD
This is quite a special and rare Ngatu or Tapa,at least 60 years old.
The design is quite contemporary and seldom found.
The motifs are accompanied by words in boxes,and somehow when one looks at these for a while the words begin to float above everything else.The black squares at regular intervals add a pleasant rhythm to the piece,and the black border complements the whole design.
This amazing Ngatu is still in very good condition,no tears,holes or loose parts.
Dimensions are 1750 mm x 1540 mm.
SOLD
Collector's piece, Ngatu featuring British Spitfire aircraft. Under the influence of Queen Salote, Tonga raised money to purchase 4 Spitfire aircraft for Britain during World War II. Te Papa museum has a similar Ngatu with a Spitfire on it and several other examples can be found in museums around the world. Extremely rare .Dimensions: 1850 mm x 1360 mm. Excellent condition. $875.00 SOLD
Old Ngatu,with traditional symbols of "Hala Paini' the avenue of Norfolk pines which line the way to the Royal Palace,The Royal Coat of Arms,The British Lion which symbolizes the connection with Tonga, the aristocratic Eagle and the Dove of Peace are all incorporated.In good used condition,No loose parts,rips or tears.Dimensions are: 2050 mm x 1970 mm. SOLD
Vintage Ngatu with traditional motifs.What makes this piece rare is the hand painted motifs of the mast with flags,symbolizing the British Navy.Also the sun rising & going down points to the enduring relationship between Tonga and Britain.On the the reverse are the initials of the artist and the date 1945.Dimensions: 2040 mm x 1280 mm. $575.00 SOLD
Large Exquisite Tongan Ngatu, beautifully hand painted,without the use of the Kupesi (rubbing tablet) depicting the 'Bounty of the Sea'. The deep maroon background makes a stunning contrast with the sienna and black outlines of the design.
This Ngatu is in fabulous condition,no holes, tears or fading. Thick quality.
Dimensions are 2000mm x 1100mm.
This also looks awesome vertically in a stairwell or narrow wall space. $295.00 SOLD
This Ngatu is approx. 40 years old.
It is hand painted with the traditional design of the Manulua - probably one of the oldest of Polynesian designs. It's origins are unknown but similar motifs have been found throughout Polynesian art.
This Ngatu is in very good condition,no tears,holes or loose parts.
Dimensions are 1m x 830 mm SOLD
Rare vintage Ngatu with breadfruit leaves. Breadfruit is a staple diet on the islands and is one of the highest-yielding food plants, hence it is most important to island life. These leave motifs are not very commonly used for decoration on a Ngatu. Very good condition. Dimensions: 2160 mm x 490 mm. SOLD
This Ngatu has interesting geometrical patterns,middle part shows traditional motives,like the Fata 'o Tu'i Tonga - referring to the house of the King, in particular, the central beam. Cross representative of the sennit bindings which holds the support of the central beam, supporting the thatched roof.
Also incorporating Manulua, one of the oldest of Polynesian designs. It's origins are unknown but similar motifs have been found throughout Polynesian art.
The important Mapa plant from which oil is obtained on the islands forms the border.
This Ngatu is old,but still in very good condition,no tears,holes or fading.
Dimensions are 2300 mm x 1660mm
SOLD
Old Ngatu with repeated geometrical squares.I haven't been able to get info about this.However,I have seen a pattern quite similar to this enlarged on a 6m x6m Ngatu.This piece is quite old and has various stains.The cloth is in good used condition.No rips or loose parts.Dimensions: 1570 mm x 430 mm. SOLD
A really wonderful example of a vintage Ngatu from 1960.
All Tapa cloths tell a story and this one tells all about celebrating Tongan values & traditions as well as life around the home (tending to plants & gardens)
It has been playfully designed and has the words A HOME 1960,KONUKUMAANU and TAPUKAFALA incorporated in the design.
On the reverse it reads VT 1960.
In good condition, no loose parts,holes or tears.
Dimensions are 1640 mm x 930 mm.
$175.00 SOLD
Vintage Ngatu with
beautiful symmetrical design,painted with precision.
Traditionally Ngatu were not considered finished before adding black round dots.The older ones have only 1 round dot,later ones have 3.Leaves are sometimes added.
In excellent condition,no tears,holes or loose parts.
Dimensions are 2050 mm x 950 mm. SOLD
Authentic vintage Ngatu.
This is an old design - "Koe Kalauni" - (coronation or succession to the crown) in playful repeat patterns.
This ngatu is about 50 years old,has been used,but is in good condition,no fading,holes,tears or loose parts.
Dimensions are 1850mm x 590mm.
looks wonderful on narrow wall or in stairwell. SOLD
This Ngatu originates from the Fifties/Sixties.Interesting free hand design,incorporating traditional double Kalou motifs in rectangle shapes, surrounded by circles and moonshapes.There is a contemporary feel to the cloth. This is in fair condition for its age,no rips or loose parts. Dimensions: 2260 mm x 1680 mm.(This is one of 2 very similar ones in my collection.)SOLD
Vintage Tongan Ngatu with traditional motifs of doves of peace, crowns and falcons. What makes this special is the way these elements are not placed in the usual square grids, just in between straight bars, softened by wavy lines. Good condition, no loose pieces or holes. Dimensions: 1940 mm x 1440 mm. SOLD