"Blossoms of the new beginning" (Tivaevae manu)

Tīvaevae are a type of quilt made by women in eastern Polynesia, from the Cook Islands through to the Society Islands and Hawaii. It is believed that missionary wives introduced the art form to the Pacific region sometime in the nineteenth century. Tīvaevae eventually replaced woven textiles and barkcloth as the most important form of women's wealth. For more than a century tivaevae have been used to decorate beds and furniture, but more importantly they are presented as gifts in weddings and haircutting ceremonies.

Two types
The two main types of tīvaevae are made from patchwork and appliqué sewing techniques. This example is of one of three types of appliqué tivaevae, known as a tīvaevae tataura. Elaborately embroidered, tivaevae tataura are made using a combination of different types of stitching.

Cannons Creek Vainetini
This tīvaevae was designed and cut by Vaine Ngaro, President of the Cannons Creek Vainetini (women's group) in Porirua, and sewn by her and members of the group. According to Ngaro '…each blossom symbolises our cultural and spiritual values. The women who work together in harmony have shared in this creation of the "New Beginning".'

The Cannons Creek Vainetini was formed in 1990. The women have travelled throughout the region exhibiting their work at various galleries. They also travelled back to the Cook Islands in 1992 and exhibited their works at the Pacific Arts Festival in Rarotonga.