‘Hiapo’ is the Niuean word for tapa cloth, a traditional artform that was popular in the mid-to-late 19th century, and is currently experiencing a resurgence in Niue. Hiapo was made by layering the pieces of cloth together. The artwork depicted on hiapo was often freehand, depicting representations of plant life and people from Niue.
Issue information
Hiapo is the Niuean word for tapa cloth, a traditional art form created by layering pieces of cloth and decorated with freehand artwork. Hiapo was a popular art form in the mid-to-late 19th century, and is currently experiencing a resurgence in Niue.
Hiapo is traditionally made from paper mulberry bark. Every hiapo is unique and tells a story, often representing the plant life and people of Niue. Owing to heavy influence of Samoan missionaries in the mid-1800s, Niuean hiapo has a distinct resemblance to Samoan tapa cloth from the same time period.
Technical information
| Date of issue: | 7 April 2015 |
|---|---|
| Number of stamps: | Four gummed stamps |
| Denominations: | 30c, $1.40, $2.00 and $4.00 |
| Stamps and first day cover designed by: | New Zealand Post Ltd, Wellington, New Zealand |
| Printer: | Collectables and Solutions Centre, New Zealand Post, Whanganui, New Zealand |
| Number of Colours | Four Process Colours |
| Stamp size and format: | 30mm x 40mm (horizontal) |
| Paper Type | Tullis Russell 104gsm red phosphor gummed stamp paper |
| Number of stamps per sheet: | 16 stamps |
| Perforation gauge: | 13.33 |
| Period of sale: |
Unless stocks are exhausted earlier, these stamps will remain on sale until 6 April 2016 |