Tonga Handicrafts
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Tongans are renowned for their handicrafts, particularly for their large and elaborate tapa cloths. Tapa cloth is made from the stem of the mulberry tree and beaten into a pulp. Sheets of this pulp are beaten together to make large cloths, usually at least 20 square feet. The plain tapa cloth is designed with a stencilled pattern from natural dyes and these are referred to as ngatu which are presented as tokens at all important gatherings. Less than 20 years ago, it was customary to give no less than a 40 sq. foot piece of tapa cloth which could take months to prepare. As this was an enormous burden on the people, particularly the poor, Queen Salote made a ruling to decrease the customary size to a mere 20 sq. feet. Smaller versions of tapa cloth can be found at the handicraft markets in Nukualofa.

Mats are another important item to have within the family and again these are expected to be presented at any important function or gathering. If you pass through any village you'll see strips of pandanus leaves laid out in the sun for drying. You will more than likely also see a group of women weaving the mats in a house. Craft is a social affair within the village.

Wood carvings were at one time an important part of Tongan culture. Unfortunately with little natural forests remaining, this art form is dwindling and wooden artefacts found in the market today are generally poor in quality and often not of traditional form. Perhaps this art form is one best not encouraged unless vigorous replanting schemes are introduced. The lack of wood resources is not a recent problem. Several hundred years ago the Tongan people would set off in their wooden war canoes to search for timber from neighbouring Fiji and Samoa to build even larger war canoes and thus control trade and commerce across the region.

For those interested in purchasing handicrafts, the best starting place is at the Womens Handicraft Centre in the heart of Nukualofa. Some fine examples of traditional craft can be seen at the Tongan National Centre at Vaiola, 2 km south of town.



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Last Updated
21 May 2009


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