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Tahitian funeral costume From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
A Heva Tūpāpā’u, also known as a Mourner's Dress, is a costume traditionally worn in Tahiti as part of mourning ceremonies. It was traditionally worn after the death of an important person in Tahiti culture, in a ceremony that could last weeks or months.[1] Very few Heva Tūpāpā’u survive today.[2]
Examples of materials used to make Heva Tūpāpā’u include coconut fibers and coconut shells, pearls, feathers, and barkcloth, all of which were considered "ritually significant".[2]
It is estimated that James Cook brought approximately 10 Heva Tūpāpā’u back with him to Europe in 1775 after collecting them during his expeditions.[2] The Heva Tūpāpā’u also inspired paintings by famous European artists such as Herman Spöring Jr,[2] and Sarah Stone.[3] The British Museum describes a Heva Tūpāpā’u held in their museum as "one of the most important objects in the British Museum's collections."[2]
Examples of Heva Tūpāpā’u are present in museums in Hawaii, Germany, Italy, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom.The following institutions contain either a complete or partial Heva Tūpāpā’u in their collections.
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