Olivia Ate Earrings - Ngatu

The Olivia Ate earrings are a beautiful statement pair and are named after one of Kalisi’s daughters. She had six daughters, including our mother; this pair is named after the eldest daughter. In this pair of earrings, the cloth is white as it is unpainted (ngatu is painted barkcloth in Tonga; tapa is the unpainted cloth). They show off the amazing fibres of the cloth that have been beaten over many months of collective work. These earrings are made from a ngatu that belonged to Olivia Ate’s sister, Nia. She gifted it to us because it was too damaged to continue to be gifted as koloa, malo 'aupito lahi.

MATERIAL:  Tapa - Unpainted beaten mulberry cloth + Resin. Ngatu - Painted barkcloth + Resin
HOOKS: Gold Plated Stainless Steel

CARE INSTRUCTIONS: We recommend you care and gently handle your item, treat it like the koloa (treasure) it is. To clean the item, use a damp cloth and let air dry. Avoid oils and moisturisers.

TO NOTE: Measurements are approximate. The items are handmade so there will be variance between each item as they are made from handmade and handpainted materials; each piece intends to showcase the skill of Tongan / Moana Pacific artisans who made the original works.