Tongan Ngatu

In the Pacific, cotton was not available, so they used the bark of a tree to make clothing. They did this by removing the outer layer of the bark and pounding it out. Today, this way of life has almost died out, with only a handful of people still making it today.
 
This piece was made by Timothy. The cloth was made in Tonga, and natural pigment powder is used to paint. These are one of a kind artworks. Reference photos are used, and then they are hand-painted. One hundred percent of the funds raised go right back to outreach trips.
 
Letting go of these pieces is emotionally challenging for me due to their cultural importance and the effort poured into them. I kindly ask that the buyer share the cultural history with those who inquire and tell the stories of the Pacific people.
 
This isn't just a piece of art. It holds the stories and cultural importance of people who journey beyond and into the unknown, passing down their knowledge to what we have today. This treasure is continuing to perpetuate the culture of these beautiful lands for the past, present, and future.