Art of Tivaevae: Traditional Cook Islands Quilting

This text tells the story behind Cook Island quilts. Twenty-three women, each represented by a black-and-white portrait, talk about their work - the ideas behind the design, the cutting and sewing techniques, how they acquired and pass on their skills, and the future of tivaevae.

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The art of tivaevae making is unique to the Cook Islands. Since quilt-making was introduced by Christian missionaries more than a century ago, the women of these South Pacific islands have embraced it enthusiastically and with skill so that it has become a valued and integral part of local life and culture. This text tells the story behind these quilts. Twenty-three women, each represented by a black-and-white portrait, talk about their work - the ideas behind the design, the cutting and sewing techniques, how they acquired and pass on their skills, and the future of tivaevae.