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Tapa Cloth Painting
Image courtesy of the Barack Obama Presidential Library
Tapa Cloth Painting
Image courtesy of the Barack Obama Presidential Library

Tapa Cloth Painting

Artifact SeriesHead of State Gifts
Artifact IDFO.021314
Object Type Painting
Intended Recipient (American, 1961)
Date ca. 2014
Medium textile (bark cloth), paint (acrylic), dye (organic), ink
DimensionsOverall W 67 3/4 in x L 35 1/8 in (172.1 cm x 89.2 cm )

Physical DescriptionA nemasitse or tapa cloth painting consisting of a rectangular bark cloth made from sections of bark cloth pasted together with various colors of brown, black and red dyes and paints. The painting depicts six figures in traditional attire with red decorations in their hair and other geometric shapes painted in black, tan, and brown. The right side of the painting is dyed brown.
Historical NoteReceived on the occasion of the 2013 United Nations General Assembly. It was given to acknowledge the assistance provided to Vanuatu for the road infrastructure development under the Millennium Challenge Fund.
Custodial History / ProvenanceThe item was a gift from a foreign official to President Barack Obama during the Obama administration. It was received through the Executive Office of the President and maintained there until its transfer to the National Archives in January 2017 for deposit with the Obama Presidential Library.Additional Details
Use Restriction StatusRestricted - Possibly
Use Restriction NoteCopyright or other proprietary rights may be held by individuals or entities other than the Obama Presidential Library. The Obama Presidential Library does not warrant that the use of materials will not infringe on the rights of third parties holding the rights to these works, or make any representations or warranties with respect to the application or terms of any international agreement, treaty, or protections that may apply. It is your responsibility to determine and satisfy any copyright or other use restrictions. Pertinent regulations can be found at 36 C.F.R 1254.62.
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