Samoan Oratory Mat by Unknown artist

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Samoan Oratory Mat

Artist

Unknown artist
Production Date

circa 1940
Medium

ink on tapa cloth
Size

1200 x 1700 mm
Credit

Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki, Chartwell Gift Collection, 2013
Accession Number

2013/19/8
Accession Date

07 May 2013
Department

International Art
Classification

Painting
Collection

AAG
Subjects

mats (floor coverings)
Description

This rare textile is a ceremonial mat for a Samoan orator to sit upon while delivering an elaborate spoken tribute. The painting’s designs are considered to be variations of celestial star patterns. They function like maps to assist a journey. There is also a parallel with traditional Samoan tatau (tattoo) designs. (Te Moananui a Kiwa, 2005)