Tapa cloth is a traditional fabric made from the bark of the paper mulberry tree, primarily found in the islands of Polynesia. It is created through a process of stripping, soaking, and beating the bark into thin sheets, which are then dried and often decorated with natural dyes. This cloth is significant in many Pacific cultures, serving various purposes such as clothing, ceremonial items, and wall hangings. Tapa cloth often features intricate patterns and designs that reflect the cultural identity and history of the communities that produce it.