Tonga Ngatu Explained | Cultural Refresh

Bronson Aerenga-Seiuli explains the art of making Tongan Ngatu. He tells the story of this special decorated barkcloth and the part it plays in Tongan culture.

Ngatu is the Tongan name given to tapa cloth. It is made from the inner bark of Hiapo (paper mulberry tree). The pieces of bark are beaten with a mallet, widened, and joined together to make larger pieces of cloth. Groups of women work together to decorate the cloth with natural dyes and pigments. Bronson unpacks this in this Cultural Refresh.

Cultural Refresh is a segment that explores cultural elements and practices that have been passed on through generations of Pacific Islanders. Whether you're learning something for the first time or jogging your memory the Cultural Refresh is for you! Rehashing traditional knowledge from the past for our current and future generations.