Apec delegates show interest in tapa cloths

By MARK HAIHUIE
DELEGATES have shown interest in tapa cloths on display by a local business at the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation senior officials meeting in Port Moresby.
PNG Omie Art and Tapa Bark managing director Roderick Vana said he received positive comments from Apec officials who said it was a rare traditional art.
“These particular tapa is from the mountains of Oro between Kokoda and Afore – from the Omi tribe whose people make this distinctive tapa,” Vana said.
“There was a large interest from the Apec visitors where they asked about it.
“After explaining, I also gave them the link as we sell these online as well.”
Vana said women were the traditional custodians of the tapa.
The designs are from a family under the distinctive style of the Omi tribe.
“The men and the boys help by getting the bark from certain trees,” Vana said.
“The women and their daughters beat the bark. There are white and brown barks. All the painted designs are made from natural dyes from coloured soil and some plants found in the mountains of Oro.
“It takes the men about a week to find the right tree to cut down, and then another week for the women to beat it and make sure it dries out as the bark is moist.
“This can take longer as it rains a lot in the mountains. The collection of natural dyes to paint out the designs takes time as well. It’s a slightly long process.”