Visitors to the National Museum of Scotland can now view a unique piece of Pacific Island history, as a 1990s wedding outfit made entirely of tree bark goes on display.
The three-piece garment, comprising a skirt, bodice, and jacket, was created by the renowned Fijian designer Hupfeld Hoerder.
It is currently showcased in the museum’s Facing the Sea gallery on Chambers Street, which celebrates the rich and diverse cultures of the Pacific.
The dress is fashioned from barkcloth, an ancient material crafted by stripping, soaking, and beating the inner bark of specific trees, such as the paper mulberry, before decorating it with traditional patterns.
Although Pacific Islanders have produced barkcloth for thousands of years, the practice saw a notable decline during the 19th century.
However, the art form has been preserved in Fiji, Tonga, and Samoa, and is now experiencing a vibrant resurgence in places like Hawai’i and Niue.
This revival is largely credited to contemporary designers like Hoerder, who blend age-old indigenous techniques with modern styling.
The addition of the outfit to the museum offers Edinburgh locals and tourists a rare glimpse into the enduring history of Pacific craftsmanship.
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