Tivaevae (also spelt tīvaevae and tivaivai) are a form of art common in Pacific nations such as the Cook Islands. They are needleworks often created in groups of women called vainetini, though some prefer to work on their own.

By custom, a tivaevae is not measured by monetary value nor production cost. Its value is said to be reflected by what is shown on it and the socialising during the creation.

Tivaevae are often given to important visitors, and in the Cook Islands are often displayed in houses during annual public health checks. Other important occasions for presenting tivaevae include during traditional boys' hair cutting ceremonies and weddings.

The tivaevae's origins are uncertain. Rongokea (1992) believes it to be an imported art form, and cites two sets of Christian missionaries in the 19th century as possible origins.

Note: some academics consider tivaevae a separate art form from that of quilting; there appears, however, to be no consensus on this.

Sources/External Links

• Lynnsay Rongokea (1992), Tivaevae: Portraits of Cook Islands Quilting, Wellington: Daphne Brasell Associates Press (ISBN 0908896204) (pages 1 to 8).
• Tivaevae description at the www.ck site
• Tivaevae exhibition on KiaOrana.com