Tongan Master Carved I'e Tapa Beater

An I'e tapa beater by master carver Leonati Motuliki, Tonga, Leonati Motuliki was introduced into the order of Queen Salote Topou at the Coronation of King George Topou V in recognition of his contributions to the arts in Tonga. I'e are used to pound inner strips of mulberry tree bark into large sheets for producing tapa cloth. This piece is carved from a single piece of hardwood. A long form with a square cross section that tapers to the handle with a circle cross section. Each of the four sides features a notch pattern. Signed 'Leonati' at the top of the i'e. Length 13.19 in., width 1.22 in.