Canvas | A Paoa for Peace | Nukunoni

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Following a series of tense and escalating incidents between the village of Vaipae-pae-o-Pau and Nukunoni, sparked initially by the claim from a Vaipae villager's wife of being attacked by men from Nukunoni, tensions escalated dramatically.

In what seemed like a gesture of goodwill, Vaipae invited the Nukunoni villagers to a Ti feast. However, this gathering turned out to be a trap, leading to the grim fate of several Nukunoni people being roasted. In retaliation, Nukunoni, allying with neighboring villages, prepared to strike back at Vaipae. Recognizing the slim chances of victory against a united front, Vaipae saw a truce as the only viable path to prevent a devastating conflict.

The artwork illustrates this critical moment in history, focusing on the Vaipae villagers as they meticulously prepare a paoa (tapa cloth). They are shown gently heating the cloth over a source of warmth and infusing it with aromatic essences from various plants laid over an umu (ground oven).

The scented Paoa was subsequently adorned by a young woman from Vaipae. She positioned herself upwind from the Nukunoni chief, intending to allure and charm him with the fragrant cloth. This strategic act of seduction proved effective, leading to a renewed peace between the two villages.

- Canvas frames are made of FSC® certified wood. When not available PEFC or equivalent.

- Thin canvas has a 2-3 cm (0.8-1.2") thick frame

- Thick canvas has a 4 cm (1.6") thick frame

- Shipped in protective packaging and strong boxes to ensure no damage during transportation.

- Mounting kit included


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