#kupesi

[urbannesian]

Vintage Pasifika Women.

#UrbanNesian

#tongan #tonga #tonganpattern #samoan #samoa #samoanpattern #fiji #fijian #fijianpattern #ngat #masi #siapo #tapa

[nafaena]

Spent a month in Texas where I hooked up my family home with Tongan kupesi (designs). I dedicated each wall to a particular family member and after a few consultations I chose the kupesi that best suited them. At first…. they low-key did not like the bright colours or infact how all the walls were different colours too! I just straight reminded them “we are Polynesians. We are happy colorful people!”

I faced some heavy challenges with my health that my family was getting worried I wouldn’t finish within the time I was there. Managed only just in time. I can’t wait to go back to kupesi Texas up with art friends in tow!

Anyway… wouldn’t have been possible if it wasn’t for my family buying the paint and helping me paint when my health was playing up… but most importantly my mentor Dr Hufanga Okusitino Mahina and for exposing me to Tongan arts - the one and only Kolokesa Mahina-Tuai. Dr Hufanga actually dubbed me a Kupesi Master last week! Stoked about that because he heavily contributed to my learning. I hope that I’ll be able to pass on this knowledge to Tongans in a further diaspora than New Zealand… well… I’m of two family homes…. Texas and Otahuhu. Next project…. Tuai nest … :) #kupesigamestrong Photo credit: Ilaise Kim Finau

[poormonkey]

these amazing kupesi pieces are such beautiful treasures. Made in the late 1930s/early 1940s and part of a private collection here in Nuku'alofa. They are used as rubbing templates for making Tongan ngatu (or tapa cloth).

[poormonkey]

kupesi print on feta'aki, painted with 'umea and tongo, by me :)

New works going on display at the Langafonua Centre this Thursday.

[coconutcodes-blog]

..a few images/video stills from a visit to the 'Ausia Ki Vusi women's group in Ma'ufanga where I spent some time with 'Oliva Vaka as she worked diligently to tohi (paint) ngatu. Like a lot of women in Tonga right now, 'Olivia and her group don't use kupesi (patterned stencils) during their koka'anga, opting instead to freehand the designs on top after the tapa is assembled. 'Olivia is truly a skilled artist; she comes up with the design and the layout in her head, combining traditional kupesi patterns (she especially favors the tokelau feletoa and fata 'o tui tonga) with original designs. She works with a speed and grace that speaks of her many years of experience & of her love for the art of making ngatu. Malie 'Olivia!

[poormonkey]

kupesi crazy. These things are equally as beautiful as the ngatu they are used for.

[fyeahindigenousfashion]

Kupesi Fakalala earrings, SOSS Nails (Tongan)

"Kupesi" is the term that refers to the motifs found on Ngatu (traditional/ceremonial Tongan mats made from Tapa cloth) in the South Pacific island of Tonga. "Fakalala" is the name of the Kupesi that inspired the design of these particular earrings.

[poormonkey]

been busy working on a few things... kupesi and ngatu, 'Kainga' exhibition, Tanya Edwards, Elena Noyes, Luisa Fonua in collaboration with Ruha Fifita and Dame Robin White, July 9-19, New Zealand High Commission, Nuku'alofa, Tonga. (photos Tanya Edwards)