Kōrero: Cook Islanders

Amy Tauakume sits alongside her grandmother Toru Tauakume and Ina Makirere quilting. Since tīvaevae was introduced to the Cook Islands by European missionaries in the 1800s it has flourished, becoming an integral part of the culture. It is a very social activity, with groups of women gathering to cut and sew designs. Hibiscus flowers and leaves of taro and other plants feature in many of these colourful quilts, which are often used in ceremonies.