Tree bark cloth

In Tonga, making and decorating bark cloth is a women's affair. In the past, tree bark cloth was used as clothing, bedding, home decoration and in ritual presentations. Now it is mainly used as a ritual gift and ceremonial clothing. The cloth (5 lengths) is cut from a longer tree bark cloth. It is customary in Tonga, at ceremonies, to give attendees a portion of the cloth offered. \To make tree b…