20th C. Tongan Tapa Cloth w/ National Seal of Tonga
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Description
Pacific Islands, Tonga, ca. 20th century CE. An impressive and sizeable tapa cloth bearing the coat of arms or national seal of Tonga flanked by a pair of doves with olive wreaths and rifles below, and all surrounded by a geometric motif border. Though there is no official specification of how exactly the arms should look, many follow similar programs as the one seen here with a royal crown of Tonga and olive leaves as the crest, a blazon comprised of a central mullet of 3 points and then quarters containing 3 mullets of 6 points, the royal crown of Tonga, a dove, and 3 swords, and 2 flags of Tonga as supporters. The country's motto is inscribed near the bottom, reading "KO E OTUA MO TONGA KO HOKU" translating to "God and Tonga are my inheritance." Size: 58.9" L x 47" W (149.6 cm x 119.4 cm)
Provenance: private San Francisco, California, USA collection, acquired 1970s to 2000s
All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.
A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.
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#174012
Provenance: private San Francisco, California, USA collection, acquired 1970s to 2000s
All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.
A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.
We ship worldwide to most countries and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.
#174012
Condition
Some separation of layers of cloth in areas, light fraying, and staining. Expected fold marks and creases. Otherwise, intact and excellently preserved with clear decoration.
Buyer's Premium
- 26.5%
20th C. Tongan Tapa Cloth w/ National Seal of Tonga
Estimate $300 - $450
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Item located in Louisville, CO, usSee Policy for Shipping
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