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1. What is Ngatu?

What is Ngatu, and why is it special in Tongan culture?

a decorated barkcloth made from the inner bark of the paper mulberry tree, highly valued for its use in ceremonies, as a status symbol, and for gift-giving in Tongan culture

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2. How is Ngatu made?

What are the steps to make Ngatu in the story? Why is each step important?

Ngatu, also known as tapa cloth, is a traditional Polynesian textile made from the bark of trees, typically the mulberry tree. It's highly valued in Māori culture, as well as in other Pacific cultures like Samoa and Tonga. Creating Ngatu is an intricate and sacred process, and each step holds deep cultural significance.

Here are the general steps involved in making Ngatu and the reasons each is important:

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3. Why is Ngatu important to the characters?

How does making Ngatu help the people in the story feel connected to their culture?

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4. What traditions are important to you?

Think about a tradition or activity that is important in your own life. How is it similar to the making of Ngatu?

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