Tivaevae manu (quilt) and matching pillow cases

Description

This is a cotton tivaevae (quilt) made in the Cook Islands (probably Rarotonga) in the late 20th century. Its creators or designer are unknown but were almost certainly women from the Islands. The tivaevae shows a pattern of blue taro leaves (kape) attached by applique (fine stitching) onto a yellow background and measures 254 cm x 254 cm.

Educational value

• This asset is an example of a tivaevae manu (quilt made in only two colours) - other types of tivaevae feature more colours; for example, tivaevae tataura are made in several colours on a contrasting background.
• It is an example of a European tradition that has been reinterpreted in a Pacific context - quilt-making was introduced by the wives of missionaries from England and nuns from Tahiti in the mid-1800s; patterns and techniques have evolved into styles distinctive to the Cook Islands and are inspired by the plants and animals that are part of everyday life in the Islands.
• It is an example of the development of a new custom as a result of the availability of new materials - the giving of tivaevae has replaced the traditional giving of tapa cloth (bark cloth) on ceremonial occasions such as weddings and funerals, and at hair-cutting ceremonies