 |
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
 |
|
An Exhibition of traditional Cook Islands bedcovers
[ Tivaevae ]
held on Rarotonga at the National Museum
from 16 October until 16 November 2001
click the Tivaevae Expo button at top of page to see entire exposition!
|
|
Patchwork bedcovers (Tivaevae) and embroidery were introduced to the Cook Islands in th late 1800s by members of the London Missionary Society. Pieced and applied bedcovers are made in other Pacific islands, but the embroidered applique (Tataura) is a technique that was developed in the Cook Islands and is therefore unique. Tivaevae are generally made for and used at special occasions such as birthdays, weddings or haircutting ceremonies. They majority of works in thie exhibition are hand made and involve many hours of work. Tivaevae are highly prized family heirlooms which are not used continually, but are kept stored. Some are made by groups of women (sewing bees) where one will design and cut and the others will help with basting and sewing. The colorful tivaevae reflect not only the tropical fauna and flora of these islands, but also other introduced objects such as lamps, anchors or fans.
|
The three types of tivaevae are:
|
| Manu |
Snowflake-style applique
|
| Taorei |
Patchwork
|
| Tataura |
Embroidered applique
|
"Te Moemoe Atuia" is a collection of old and new tivaevae and a tribute to the wonderful craftswomen of who made them.
The Cook Islands Tivaevae Association would like to thank all the women who loaned us their precious tivaevae for this exhibition. Meitaki maata!
Glossary
| Kuru |
Breadfruit
|
| Paka Omu |
Turtle's back = hexagonal-shaped pieces
|
| Taunga |
Authority or expert
|
| Tiare Maori |
Single gardenia, a much appreciated flower in Polynesia
|
| Vaine Tini |
Women's Group
|
|
| KiaOrana.com would like to thank the Cook Islands Tivaevae Association for the use of the pictures and textual information. If you would like further information about a specific tivaevae or the Cook Islands Tivaevae Association see the Contact Info. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
webmaster@kiaorana.com
|
© KiaOrana.com All rights reserved.
The information on this site is either used by written permission or is wholly created and owned by KiaOrana.com.
This material may not be rewritten, redistributed,
published or broadcast without
written permission from KiaOrana.com.
|
|
|
|
|
