American Museum of Natural History Research Library
author: American Museum of Natural History

Patterns of Paradise (Exhibition)
birth: 1981 November 18
death: 1982 February 14
Exhibition. Opened in November 18, 1981 and closed February 14, 1982. Located in Section 1A, Floor 1 in Gallery 77 at the American Museum of Natural History. "Patterns of Paradise" was an exhibition devoted to the art of making, decorating and using tapa (bark) cloth.
Summary
"Patterns of Paradise" was an exhibition devoted to the art of making, decorating and using tapa (bark) cloth. The exhibition contained more than 150 examples of tapa works from the Pacific islands, Southeast Asia, Africa, South America and islands of the Caribbean. Tapa cloth has been used for clothing, costumes, masks, hats and figurines. In addition to antique cloths, the exhibition contained contemporary pieces including tapa works by artist Mary Pritchard. The exhibition, organized by the Field Museum of Natural History in Chicago and supported by grants from the National Endowment for the Humanities, was on view in Gallery 77 of the American Museum of Natural History from November 18, 1981 through February 14, 1982.
Individuals and institutions involved in the creation of the exhibition: =Field Museum of Natural History.