First published in 2005, Hiapo: Past and present in Niuean barkcloth remains the landmark study of one of the Pacific’s most remarkable yet little-known art traditions.
‘Hiapo’ is the Niuean word for barkcloth or tapa. Produced primarily in the nineteenth century, these extraordinary painted cloths combine striking visual beauty with rich cultural and historical significance.
Drawing on years of research in museum collections, fieldwork in Niue, and conversations with elders, authors John Pule and Nicholas Thomas trace the history of this distinctive art form and the people who created it.
From bold geometric designs to detailed depictions of plants, people and ships, these works offer a vivid window into life in Niue during a period of profound cultural change and growing contact with the wider world.
This beautifully redesigned edition features an updated introduction and new material reflecting two decades of further research and discovery. It introduces this pioneering work to a new generation of readers and celebrates the enduring significance of hiapo in Pacific art and culture.