Vintage Tapa - I think

Newbie here again. An elderly lady gave me a box of stuff she had from living in Hawaii in the 60's....most of it is junk....or so it seems.

Included in the box is a roll of woven stuff with brown and black angular designs on it, and after doing some searching on the web, I think it might be tapa. Up close it looks like woven beat-up papery leaves, similar to the matting we use in weave, but more flexible. It's really fragile, fabric-y, and the edges are terribly frayed. It is wrapped in tissue paper and is about 30" x 60"...how can I tell if it's tapa......and what can I do with it if it is......or even if it isn't. I hate to dump it because it's kinda cool looking, but it would be too fragile to use for a light or tablecloth and I don't think I want to cut it up....do I?

LavaLounger

I don't know if it is valuable, or if it authentic. Do you have any pictures?

If you are going to toss it I might be interested in buying it.

Post some pictures!

I'll post a picture.......as soon as I figure out how!

:|

LavaLounger

Hi, My name is Lee, and I just joined. I collect Vintage Hawaiian, and came across what may/maynot be a vintage tapa shirt.
The last 3 pics, read from left to rite, in order is what is printed on the blue border of the shirt.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v79/IMKLROYTOO/BARK1.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v79/IMKLROYTOO/BARK3.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v79/IMKLROYTOO/BARK4.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v79/IMKLROYTOO/BARK5.jpg

I also sell on E-Bay, under the name of jeremy8916, specializing in vintage Hawaiian Pake Mu's, Tea Timers, and Muu Muu's, with a few other vintage items also.
I'd like to put this for sale, but don't want to make a mistake in describing it; Can any one help?

The "imprime en France" means the print was applied in France?? TAAROA, I assume, is the company name, and is a polynesian god, which is how I found this forum.(google). The rest of the printing I'm guessing is prolly the designer of the pattern/print on the shirt.

ANY information on the age, company origin, or whatever may be of help in identifying this would be greatly appreciated.

looks like one of those limited run French Tahitian pareo design shirts that were seen often in these parts in the 70's.
Run it up the flagpole. see how many salute. I'd say worth/value about 50 clams. but then, the worth of art is subjective.

THANK YOU, Lanikai, for the info....I'll "run it up the flagpole" today, on E-Bay.

Lee
imklroytoo