Tapa Cloth Purse

1900 - 1950

12 1/2 in. x 9 1/2 in. (31.75 cm x 24.13 cm)

This object has the following keywords:

• Melanesian - Describes the culture and style of the inhabitants of the Melanesian Islands. Melanesians are well known for creating sculptures utilizing a vast range of media, their traditional communal architecture, and body arts.
• Oceanic - Cultures and styles of various regions in Oceania, comprising islands scattered throughout the Pacific Ocean (generally excluding Japan, Indonesia, and the Philippines), but including Australia.
• ornaments - Decorative forms or embellishments that are an integral part of a building or object but are not essential to its structure. Refers also to decorative objects attached to or worn by humans and animals. For objects signifying an honor bestowed upon an individual, usually worn on the person, see "decorations." Regarding techniques of embellishment in general, see "decoration (process)."
• purses - Small to medium-sized receptacles made of leather or other flexible material and frequently having several inner compartments, used for carrying money and other personal items, fastened with a zipper, clasp, press stud, etc., and carried as a ladies' handbag or shoulderbag.