Tongan Art Forms

Mat weaving in Tonga can be used for many things. From bedding, flooring, clothing, and mats being passed down through generations. Mats in Tonga usually show social status, and those who have them or wear them are respected.

Question 1:

Who own or wears Tongan mats?

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Question 2:

List what mats in Tonga are used for:

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Question 3:

What do mats in Tonga show?

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Ngatu is the Tongan name that has been given to tapa cloth or decorated bark cloth. The tapa cloth is made from the Paper Mulberry Tree, and pieces of bark are beaten with a mallet. The ngatu are decorated with motifs and patterns taken from nature, or important people and events.

Question 1:

What is the Tongan name for tapa cloth?

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Question 2:

What are the ngatu decorated with?

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Question 3:

What is the tapa cloth made from?

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Carving with wood and bone is a very important part of the Tongan culture. Men would carve wood, making bowls, head rests, log drums, weapons, kava bowls, canoes and paddles, and fish hooks. They also used animal bones to carve.

Question 1:

What do men carve wood into?

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Question 2:

What did they also use to carve?

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Question 3:

Carving with wood and bone is very what?

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