RSSArts & Crafts hold a special place in the Cook Islands and are readily available as souvenirs. The tivaevae is the communal activity of making patchwork quilts by the women of the islands. Other crafts include tapa weaving, the carving of Tangaroa and woven baskets.
Tapas & Pareus
Tapa is the original barkcloth of the islands, once used in all traditional garments. It is produced from the laborious process of beating the bark until the required texture is obtained and is decorated with traditional cultural patterns. These are used as wall hangings and mostly made in Atiu. Similar pareu is another traditional wear on the islands. It is a length of cloth about 2 meters long, which can be tied around the body in a variety of ways. Pareus are a practical garment for the hot climate, the light colorful fabrics wash and dry quickly and are equally good as picnic cloths or convenient towels.
Tangaroa Statues
Wood carvings are quite popular as souvenirs in the Cook Islands, particularly of the demi-god Tangaroa, revered by fishermen on the islands. This fisherman's god is easily recognised by his stature - hands clasped over his tubby tummy, legs astride, and a most distinguished genital organ. During the height of the missionaries, the statue had been censored but since then it has made a revival in its original form.
Weaving
The most popular woven item on the island is the Rito hat, worn by native women and used as protection against the sun. Materials used in weaving are palm and pandanus leaves, which are so well processed that the end product often has the appearance of a linen fabric. Other sought-after souvenir items include woven baskets, often made from the fiber of coconuts.
