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Glite Dictionary
tappa

tappa

1 9.9
A paper-like cloth made by beating inner tree bark, used for clothing and ceremonies in Pacific Islands
  • noun
  • Australian
translation icon : tapa
  • The museum displayed ancient tappa cloths that were used for rituals and ceremonies.

Examples

  • She wore a dress made from tappa, showcasing the beautiful craftsmanship of Pacific Island culture.

  • In Polynesian culture, tappa plays a crucial role in rituals and celebrations.

  • The tappa of the paper mulberry tree is prized for its strength and flexibility.

  • Traditional artisans use tappa to create ceremonial bark cloth garments.

  • The artist used tappa to create beautiful wall hangings.

  • Can you tell me more about tappa fabric?

  • Traditionally, artisans create decorative patterns on tappa using natural dyes.

Synonyms

tapa
vstappa
13 9.9

A cloth made from tree bark used for clothes and decoration in the Pacific islands

is the same material but spelled as an alternative form
kapa
vstappa
1 9.9

A Hawaiian cloth made by beating tree bark and dyed with natural colors

is the broader Pacific term not limited to Hawaiian tradition

Compounds

tappa bark
  • Australian
9.9

Thin bark from the paper mulberry tree that people beat to make cloth in Polynesia

How Thick

tappa
  • Australian
1 9.9
broadcloth
1 6.0
paper-thin
8 3.9

Surface Forms

tappa singular
tappas plural

Etymology

Tappa comes from the Polynesian word tapa, which means 'bark cloth' and names the strong, paper-like cloth made by beating the inner bark of trees across the Pacific Islands. So today tappa means that traditional bark cloth used for clothing and ceremonies.