Cook Islands Culture

The Cook Islands Polynesian culture is famous for a number of things. Woodcarving is a common art form in the Cook Islands. Each island is famous for something unique. Rarotonga is known for its fisherman’s gods and staff-gods, Atiu for its wooden seats, Mitiaro, Mauke and Atiu for mace and slab gods and Mangaia for its ceremonial adzes.

Weaving is another major cultural activity on the islands. Particularly fine examples of rito hats are worn by women to church on Sundays. Often, they are decorated with hatbands made of minuscule pupu shells which are painted and stitched on by hand.

However, Cook Island culture is most famous for Tivaevae. This is the art of making handmade patchwork quilts. Introduced by the wives of missionaries in the 19th century, the craft grew into a communal activity and is probably one of the main reasons for its popularity.

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