Mu'umu'u (dress)

This mu’umu’u is an example of the indigenous adoption of European clothing in the Pacific Islands.  It is a women's garment also known as the “mother hubbard” or vinivo in parts of island Melanesia.

Before Christian missionaries from Europe arrived in the Pacific Islands at the end of the eighteenth century, Pacific Islanders usually wore loin cloths, short skirts, or went without clothing. The missionaries introduced their ideas of decency and fashion to the communities in which they settled, and indigenous items of clothing were replaced by trousers, jackets and long flowing European dresses such as the Mother Hubbard. Such garments were uncomfortable and unsuitable for the climate. However, Pacific Islanders took some of the elements of European fashion, successfully combining them with elements of their own - and have been doing so ever since.

Mere Tepaeru Tereora

This mu’umu’u dress is one of several that were made for Mere Tepaeru Tereora, the fifth National President for P.A.C.I.F.I.C.A, (a New Zealand based Pacific women’s organisation). The mu’umu’u were gifted to her by various branches of the organisation over several years. This example was made by Helen Calder in 1993. Later that same year, it was worn by Mrs Tereora at the P.A.C.I.F.I.C.A Women's Suffrage conference.P.A.C.I.F.I.C.A (The Pacific Allied (Women's) Council Inspires Faith Ideals Concerning All Incorporation) was established in 1977 to create an opportunity for Pacific women to support and encourage one another to participate in the wider community, especially in issues that affect them and their families. P.A.C.I.F.I.C.A has branches from Whangarei to Invercargill and these branches are affiliated to the national body. Internationally, members of the organisation have participated in the United Nations Committee on the status of women and women's conferences held in the Pacific Islands.

Acquisition History

This mu’umu’u was acquired from Mrs Tereora in 2008.