Hiapo

de John Puhiatau Pule, Nicholas Thomas

This book is the first study of this art form. Most known pieces of hiapo (barkcloth or tapa) were produced in the mid to late nineteenth century and are now dispersed all over the world. The paintings range from dynamic abstract patterns to detailed renderings of plants, people (including European colonists), and signs of changing times. They offer a window on a time when missionary impact was deepening and Niuean life was changing forever. The illustrations, most of which are in full colour, bring together hiapo from all over the world.