Photograph by Adrienne Pitts. Retrieved from nationalgeographic.com
A country comprising 15 islands scattered across 850,000sq miles in the south pacific, the cook islands can feel surprisingly intimate, displaying a strong national identity. It’s a place that celebrates community through unique cultural practices, from traditional dances and age-old crafts to modern decorative arts.
The art of tivaevae, the colourful patchwork and appliqué that’s symbolic of the Cook Islands, is a craft that’s flourished since the introduction of quilting by Christian missionaries in the 19th century. Traditionally, women would gather in groups — often outside — to work on their tivaevae and enjoy the companionship of their community.