item details
Overview
This bodice overpiece is made from white plant fibre. The structure of the bodice has been plaited in a netting style. A flower decorates the centre of the bodice along its top edge.
Significance
In 2010, the Te Lauhigano Tokelau group from Porirua, New Zealand gifted this garment and other items to Te Papa. The gifts symbolise the ongoing relationship the museum has with the Tokelau community. Te Lauhigano Tokelau was formed by Tokelauans to promote community development among their community in Porirua. The group was a formal Community Development project for the Wellington Regional Office of the Department of Internal Affairs.
Community development advisors from Internal Affairs worked with the group to ensure their access to resources, training, funding, workshops that would assist them in building their capacity to deliver to their community.
In September 2009, Te Lauhigano Tokelau held a week long annual general meeting which over 100 members attended. At the meeting they found that as New Zealand based Tokelau people, they have lost many aspects of their indigenous Tokelau culture.The objects represent Te Lauhigano Tokelau’s effort to ensure that future generations of Tokelauans learn the history and culture of who they are.
Acquisition history
This bodice is part of a collection of items manufactured and presented to Te Papa by members of Te Lauhigano Tokelau in February 2010.