jahnesapapalii

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Week 3- Task 3

In class we watched 2 documentaries about Tapa making in Tonga which they call Ngatu and in Samoa which they call Siapo. The process of making the Tapa was very similar in both cultures and evidently very different at the same time. For example in the Samoan process of making Tapa or Siapo there were more steps made from the variety of tools used to beat the mulberry bark to dipping the bark in water and even the way and tools that were used. 

From the knowledge that we gained from watching the 2 documentaries, as a class we were asked to make our own tapa with our our own patterns and designs on it. We had to come up with what materials we were going to use, what substrate, the colour scheme, and then had to decide how we were going to start. In the end we decided that the substrate or base paper we were going to use was A3 colour paper with the base colours brown and red. One of the techniques that we used was to scrunch up the paper and this made the texture of the paper look as if we beat it, just like the bark. It was up to us to choose what kind of patterns we could paint or draw on our substrate.

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Week 3- Task 1

As I watched both of these documentaries there were a variety of differences however I feel as if the comparisons weighed out the differences. The first documentary of the Kuo E Hiapo focused a lot on the processes of how the Ngatu is traditionally made in the Kingdom of Tonga through the use of more traditional tools and the more traditional way of making the Tapa or Ngatu. The other documentary Tales of Taonga came from a more modern approach of how the Tapa is or was made around Te Moana Nui a Kiwa or the Pacific Islands. The main material that was used throughout all the many Pacific Islands was the Mulberry Tree. The many tools and processes of making Tapa was very similar too. For example in Tonga, they use a patterned board called a Kupesi that the Mulberry tree bark is beaten against which enhances the pattern and in Samoa they use a patterned board called a Upeti. We see that through time in some of the Pacific Islands the knowledge and the practise of Tapa making was not as heavily passed down through generations and therefore was lost. Which is one of the similarities of the documentaries is that much of the knowledge of Tapa making and the traditions of the cultures are maintained and carried on through the passing down through their generations. Tapa and Ngatu is also used for very similar occasions such as weddings and even funerals. From what I have watched, I think that the most significant thing about the Tapa is the process of making it because this is where the traditions are going to either die out or last for the next generations to come.

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Week 2- Task 3

The artist that I chose to examine for Task 3 was John Pule. The drawing that I examined of his was “In another country, 2013”. The first thing that I noticed about this drawing was the way it was set out. There were distinct sections in the drawing that had their own specific area for each pattern or drawing. The drawing has a basic colour scheme of black and white with a range of shading and clear smudging to give depth to the drawing. I noticed similar marks that I am familiar with such as the cross, buildings, and familiar patterns that I have seen around the pacific. From what I have observed and the name of the piece, I think the drawing could be a representation of what the artist has experienced so far being in another country. It could be reflecting their feelings and thoughts about the new country. 

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Week 2- Task 1

The exercise from week one was a real eye-opener for me. I was really able to reconnect with my culture and surprisingly even my family, especially with my grandmother as she was able to reflect back on all these patterns and symbols and what they represent. We discussed what really stood out about our cultures and the power that patterns have in telling stories and portraying messages.

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Week 1- Sketch Maps & Pattern

The pattern that I have chosen to explain and examine about is the Samoan Tatau but more specifically the Malu. The Malu is the Samoan tattoo which can only be worn by females. The word Malu originates from the samoan word Mamalu which when translated into English, means to have honor and dignity. It is a pattern that is believed to protect the woman who is bearing the tattoo. In the Samoan culture this pattern represents the role that the females play in the home and serves as a reminder of how important holding knowledge is and passing that same knowledge down to future generations. This pattern relates to me because being a New Zealand born Samoan, I was always encouraged by my late grandmother to continue to learn about our ancestors and the culture that we bear. Understanding the meaning behind the malu pattern has helped me to appreciate my culture more and to know that even though I was not born in Samoa I still have connections and am blessed with the lineage. I also gained the knowledge that I have a responsibility to carry on this knowledge.