Cook Islands Language Week

Wednesday, 7th August 2024 at 7:40am

Embracing Culture:

The sounds of the Pacific were beating through the gym today at the 'Volleyball Vibe' - as part of Cook Islands Language Week celebrations. What a great way to start the weekend!

On Tuesday, GBHS held a brief Tivaivai (quilting) workshop (sometimes spelt Tivaevae) as well as an Ei Katu (headpiece) workshop. Students and staff enjoyed learning a bit about the Cook Islands history, culture, and kai.

Tivaivai are highly valued quilts, made using techniques that were introduced from Tahiti to Rarotonga by the Catholic nuns who arrived there in 1894. There are two prevailing styles in the Cook Islands, the Tivaivai manu, and the Tivaivai tataura. Both play an important part in the lives of Cook Islanders, from birth to death.

Tivaivai manu consists of two layers of contrasting fabrics. The cloth intended for the upper layer is folded and cut into a pattern through all the layers. It is opened out and tacked onto the background cloth using large stitches. The top piece is appliqued to its bottom layer.

Tivaivai tataura is distinctive to the Cook Islands because the pieces that go on top of the background cloth are separate. Each piece is embroidered before being attached to the background cloth. Large cutouts of flowers and leaves are arranged freely, often in a circular pattern radiating from the central point

Ei Katu can be used as a necklace, garland or wreath - however is usually adorned as a flower headpiece. Ei Katu can be worn by men and women. Commonly seen in celebrations and events, and are widely recognised as being associated with the Cook Islands.