Tongan barkcloth; made from the inner bark of the paper mulberry tree; still features lavishly in Polynesian ceremonies all over the world. Yet despite the attention paid to this textile by anthropologists and art historians alike; little is known about its history. Providing a unique insight into Polynesian material culture; this book explores barkcloths rich cultural history; and argues that its manufacture; decoration and use are vehicles of creativity and female agency. Based on twelve years of extensive ethnographic and archival research; the book uncovers stories of ceremony; gender; the senses; religion and nationhood; from the 17th century up to the present-day. Placing the materiality of textiles at the heart of Tongan culture; Veys reveals not only how barkcloth was and continues to be made; but also how it defines what it means to be Tongan. Extending the study to explore the place of barkcloth in the European imagination; she examines international museum collections of Tongan barkcloth; from the UK and Italy to Switzerland and the USA; addressing the bias of the European gaze and challenging traditional gendered understandings of the cloth. A nuanced narrative of past and present barkcloth manufacture; designs and use; Unwrapping Tongan Barkcloth demonstrates the importance of the textile to both historical and contemporary Polynesian culture.
#1239083 in eBooks 2016-12-01 2016-12-01File Name: B01N540X5F
Review
6 of 6 people found the following review helpful. A must read collection of true stories!By Julia H."Inspired!" is a true must read! As a busy mom of two. I can rarely find a minute to myself to just cuddle up with a good book. This book allowed me to get lost in multiple stories that flow seamlessly together or just one. if I was short on time. It feels as though you are sitting with a friend telling incredible stories about people she knew. filled with little known fascinating tidbits. This book will definitely be on my holiday gift list.4 of 4 people found the following review helpful. How cool is that and why I did not know about it earlier!?By jExpertI was absolutely mesmerized by the stories in this book. I could not help but ask myself why I did not know these awesome stories about these famous people before! This book is a great read. as the author keeps on entertaining with unique plot twists and humor.I am giving my five stars. Youll love it and will have lots of tricks up your sleeve to entertain that next conversation.4 of 4 people found the following review helpful. Perfect for all those people who dont have time to ...By CustomerInformative and easy-read. Familiar characters come to life with new and surprising facts about their lives and inspiration behind them. Perfect for all those people who dont have time to read. You wont get intimidated and for once will be able to actually finish a book. Bonus you will increase your arsenal of "curious facts" to impress people at cocktail parties!
