Cook Islands

Polynesian, Cook Islands, Tapa / Bark Cloth Beater. (circa 1770s 1830s)

Polynesian, Cook Islands, Tapa / Bark Cloth Beater. (circa 1770s 1830s)
Polynesian, Cook Islands, Tapa / Bark Cloth Beater. (circa 1770s 1830s)
Polynesian, Cook Islands, Tapa / Bark Cloth Beater. (circa 1770s 1830s)
Polynesian, Cook Islands, Tapa / Bark Cloth Beater. (circa 1770s 1830s)
Polynesian, Cook Islands, Tapa / Bark Cloth Beater. (circa 1770s 1830s)
Polynesian, Cook Islands, Tapa / Bark Cloth Beater. (circa 1770s 1830s)
Polynesian, Cook Islands, Tapa / Bark Cloth Beater. (circa 1770s 1830s)
Polynesian, Cook Islands, Tapa / Bark Cloth Beater. (circa 1770s 1830s)
Polynesian, Cook Islands, Tapa / Bark Cloth Beater. (circa 1770s 1830s)
Polynesian, Cook Islands, Tapa / Bark Cloth Beater. (circa 1770s 1830s)
Polynesian, Cook Islands, Tapa / Bark Cloth Beater. (circa 1770s 1830s)
Polynesian, Cook Islands, Tapa / Bark Cloth Beater. (circa 1770s 1830s)

Polynesian, Cook Islands, Tapa / Bark Cloth Beater. (circa 1770s 1830s)

This is a very old Tapa beater from the Cook Islands, known as'Ike. It was manufactured in the late 18th - very early 19th century (1770s - 1820/30s)...... This specimens has numerous period age cracks, dents, chips here and there.....

3 sides are grooved; one side is smooth. Classic pyramidal head -- of specimens from the Cook Is.

Overall, in superb condition for it's very old age. Very beautiful natural hue of wood -- varying from caramel to dark honey and dark chocolate brown; natural surface glossy patina. This is the oldest Tapa beater I've ever owned; I've owned quite a few. The best feature is its unusual ribbed / striated handle - for maximum grip. Will display beautifully on a good stand - next to a great old Tapa cloth.

Measures 12 inches in length and approx 4 inches wide. An important and very old, Polynesian utilitarian artifact -- now in need of a new home/owner.

The item "Polynesian, Cook Islands, Tapa / Bark Cloth Beater. (circa 1770s 1830s)" is in sale since Sunday, September 19, 2021. This item is in the category "Antiques\Ethnographic\Pacific Islands & Oceania". The seller is "skeletonsandbunnies" and is located in North Vancouver, British Columbia. This item can be shipped worldwide.

  • Featured Refinements: Tapa Cloth
  • Maker: Cook Islands peoples
  • Material: Wood
  • Original/Reproduction: Original


Polynesian, Cook Islands, Tapa / Bark Cloth Beater. (circa 1770s 1830s)