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Overview
This pare (hat) comes from Tongareva, the largest and northern most atoll in the Cook Islands. Its name can be translated to mean 'Floating Tonga' or 'Away from the South'. The pare is made from rito (young coconut palm leaf). Weavers cut the rito which they then cure and colour with artificial dyes.
Significance
This pare is significant as it highlights the way in which marketplaces in the Pacific play a central role for visitors, locals and communities from outer islands. In the wider Pacific including New Zealand, Pacific people are familiar with markets and it is a popular place to socialise in the community as well as shop for food and goods.
This pare travelled from Tongareva, an island with less than 300 in population to Rarotonga, the most populated island, to sell to tourists or buyers that they possibly would have otherwise had no access to. It was purchased in the markets of Rarotonga between late 2004 and early 2005 by Jean T. Chapman-Mason (Cook Islands/ English) while she was working at the Cook Islands Library and Museum in Rarotonga. In her experience, a decrease of crafts and skilled makers was evident over her time as a resident in the Cook Islands.
Chapman-Mason used to have a regular supplier of pare and other woven products, but by the 21st century many people were emigrating to New Zealand or Australia and sellers would not maintain a permanent stall in the markets. People preferred to call in with their goods to see if Chapman-Mason wanted to purchase on an irregular basis.
Unfortunately, the name of the maker of this pare is unknown. This is partly due to the temporary tenure of many of the stalls and sellers at the markets.
Acquisition history
The pare was offered as a gift to Te Papa in 2008 from Jean T. Chapman-Mason while members from the Pacific Cultures team at Te Papa Tongarewa were visiting Rarotonga.
References
Kloosterman, A.M.J. (1976). Discoverers of the Cook Islands and the names they gave Vol. 6. Cook Islands: Cook Islands Library and Museum Society.