Samoan Siapo: Bark Cloth Patterns Guide

Siapo Bark Cloth

Siapo is Samoan bark cloth made from the inner bark of the paper mulberry tree. It features distinctive brown and black geometric patterns created with natural dyes.

Production Process

Women harvest paper mulberry saplings, strip the inner bark, soak it, and beat it with wooden mallets called ie to create flat sheets. Multiple sheets are joined with arrowroot starch.

Design Application

Artists use coconut husk fiber brushes (paogo) to paint designs freehand, or carved wooden printing boards called upeti for repeating patterns.

Pattern Symbolism

Common motifs include nets, stars, pandanus leaves, and trochus shells. Each design connects to Samoan cosmology and the natural environment.

Cultural Uses

Siapo serves as ceremonial gift wrapping, burial shrouds, wall decorations, and tourist art. It remains central to faa Samoa (the Samoan way).