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Overview
Background
Weaving is an important art form in the communities of the Cook Islands and wider Pacific. This o'ini (fisherman's basket) is made of coconut palm leaf which together with pandanus leaf, is of great historic importance to the Cook Island people. With these indigenous materials they were able to plait and weave the leaves into mats, house roofs, walls, food platters, fans, hats and baskets. Depending on the size and techniques employed, a weaver could spend a long time to construct and decorate baskets, or make them quickly on the spot in a matter of minutes.
Construction
O'ini range in size and function according to the place of origin. Those found in French Polynesia tend to be smaller and used for carrying lighter loads of food, flowers, shellfish and other objects. This o'ini has a robust construction that is strengthened through features of braiding in the base of the basket and two looped handles.
Significance
This o'ini is from Mauke, an island in the southern Cook Islands region. Historically, o'ini were made to be of assistance to the fisherman of a village so that they could collect and store fish or shellfish while gathering.
This particular o'ini was purchased in 2006. Increasingly, with access to imports and longer lasting resources for fishing, the demand for o'ini and other weaved crafts has diminished and they are being produced primarily for the tourist market.
This acquisition is significant for the way it highlights the transnational character of Cook Islands people and communities. The o'ini and its donation by Jean T Chapman-Mason (Cook Islands/English) is a reflection of Jean's ties to the Cook Islands. Pacific people are often concerned and wanting to be more involved in the representation of their cultural heritage in Aotearoa/New Zealand.
Acquistion
The o'ini was offered as a gift to Te Papa in 2008 by Jean T. Chapman-Mason while members from the Pacific Cultures team at Te Papa Tongarewa were visiting Rarotonga.
References
Arbeit, W. (1990). Baskets in Polynesia. USA: University of Hawaii Press.
Idiens, D. (1990). Cook Islands Art. United Kingdom: Shire Publications Ltd.