HIAPO

Hiapo is the Niuean art form of Barkcloth painting, laying dormant since the early 1900's has recently been revived and continues to be reborn amongst Niuean communities through artist Cora-Allan Wickliffe, she is the granddaughter of Vakaafi and Fotia Lafaiki who are from the villages of Liku and Alofi.
Cora-Allan began her journey being inspired by her grandparents who have been a big part of her life, learning how to cook and about traditional art practices was a big part of spending time with her Niuean side. Since pursuing the art of Hiapo, Cora-Allan has visited the Pacific islands repeatedly to continue making, sharing and she is working her way towards creating a document to assist Hiapo makers in the future.
Visiting the island regularly, Cora-Allan has recently taken her sister and cousin back to Niue in hopes of them learning the art form of Hiapo as well. Attending community events where she can is important to her practice as she continues to plant her work in the  community. 

Hiapo examples

The Hiapo is made using bark from the Aute (mulberry) and dye made from the Mangrove and Tuitui tree
Picture

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Large Hiapo study (2018)
Acquired by Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa
For more information about Hiapo purchases please contact: coraallan.wickliffe@gmail.com
All photographs are copyrighted/belong to Cora-Allan Wickliffe