Tonga

Tongans are renowned for their handicrafts, in particular their large and intricate tapa cloths which make the perfect Tongan souvenir. These are made from the stem of the mulberry tree which is beaten into a pulp and finally made into large pieces of cloth measuring around 2 square metres. Ngatu is a plain tapa cloth, designed with a stencilled pattern from natural dyes, and is presented at important gatherings. You can purchase small lengths of this unique cloth at the markets in Nuku'alofa. Mats are another important item to Tongan families. They are woven from strips of pandanus leaves and traditionally made by the women.