Pitcairn Tapa: Unveiling the Lives of the Bounty Women

Abstract

The Pitcairn tapa cloths provide valuable insight into the world of the 'Bounty' women and their daughters. In the extreme isolation of Pitcairn Island, they developed an original and innovative design and practice not seen elsewhere. By using the tapa as primary sources, and combining this information with oral histories, linguistic and cultural awareness, the women emerge as strong actors in the Pitcairn story rather than the widely accepted fantasy of the South Sea Maiden and 'Bounty' narrative. The tapa illuminate their stories, and today a growing group of women from Pitcairn and Norfolk are rebuilding this validating and empowering practice.