**Originally Listed At $800** Oceania, Polynesia, Tonga, ca. early to mid-20th century CE. An attractive, heavy wooden tapa beater, carved in an asymmetrical hourglass form, with a conical handle and a cuboid beating end, 3 sides of which have deeply incised grooves. Each end of the impressive tool is flat, while the 9 grooves travel vertically down the entirety of the beating head with 3 on each of the 3 sides. Tapa was introduced to the western world in the late 18th century by Captain Cook s first expedition, where it was collected under the direction of Joseph Banks and brought to Europe. In Polynesian society, the cloth is of great social importance and is often given as a gift, but it once was used as everyday wear before synthetic fabrics replaced it; today it is worn only at special occasions such as weddings. Size: 2.5" L x 2.8" W x 12.6" H (6.4 cm x 7.1 cm x 32 cm); 14" H (35.6 cm) on included custom stand. Provenance: private Hawaii, USA collection, acquired from 1995 to 2010 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 and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience. #168541品相报告: Possible repair to minor area in one corner. Expected stable fissures, nicks, chips, and abrasions, all commensurate with age and use. Otherwise, excellent with nice patina and collection labels on base of handle.