item details
Paua World; manufacturer(s); 2011
Overview
This small Paua treasure box was one of two guest favours customised for the occasion of Rachel Palatavake Vata-i-Viena Vai Helu's 'Sweet Sixteen' birthday on Saturday 19 February, 2011 at the Town Hall, Wellington, New Zealand. This large scale 'Sweet Sixteen' birthday celebration was the inception ofRachel's late father, Sione Helu, who passed away beforeher birthday arrived. He wanted to honour Rachel as his first born and only daughter.
The significance of Paua
According to Toakase Helu (Rachael’s Mother)the paua shell (abalone, Haliotis iris) on this box reflects part of the overall birthday party theme of Paua. As this distinctive sea shell possesses the most vibrant and iconic colours of mauve, green, and blue it is often prized for decorating and/or creating jewellery in New Zealand. Toakase wanted this favour to be a practical gift for guests, male and female, to use to store their jewellery items, such as rings or earrings.
Acquisition History
The celebration of Sweet Sixteen coming of age parties is well established among communities in the United States and at the time was considered a new development in the New Zealand based Tongan community. This box is one of several items including a dress from the Sweet Sixteen birthday celebrations offered to Te Papa by Toakase Helu in 2011.