Painting the past and the future: barkcloth of the Maisin people in Papua New Guinea

For the Maisin people, living along the coast of Collingwood Bay (Oro Province in Papua New Guinea), barkcloth, or tapa as it is locally called, is important. This importance is exemplified by the phrase “Maisin is tapa”, which was often said as I tried to find my way through the meanings of barkcloth among the Maisin. And indeed, especially in the village of Airara where I did my research, it was evident that tapa is not just a traditional garment; it provides a link with the past and provides dreams for the future.