Spirit of Tivaevae

Documenting the making of my first Cook Islands tivaevae quilt

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  • My First Tivaevae
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  • About
  • What is tivaevae?
  • My First Tivaevae
  • Supporters
  • Contact
  • Culture

    Stitched with Love

    By Melodie Turori / July 19, 2015

    Enjoy this lovely video posted by Te Papa Museum! “It’s my grandma, she presented me with a tivaevae and said, ‘You remember this. I sew it with my hands and all the stitches that I have done,…

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  • Culture,  Film Update

    From coconut to Kuki

    By Melodie Turori / May 27, 2015

    Growing up, I was vaguely aware that there was a dual heritage in my blood, but I didn’t begin to understand how that identity might impact my life until I was 21. At that point, I made…

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  • Culture

    Fear, laughter, and culture

    By Melodie Turori / May 4, 2015

    “These Maori men are told they need to be like their ancestors, they need to hold themselves up to a high standard, but how do they do that while still existing in today’s society? That’s the question.”…

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  • Culture

    2014 Independence Day and Language Week

    By Melodie Turori / August 4, 2014

    Today, August 4th, marks the 49th anniversary of Cook Islands independence and the signing of the nation’s constitution. It also kicks off Cook Islands Language week in New Zealand. This year’s theme is: “Ako Marie i nga…

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  • Culture

    Cultures don’t have to vanish

    By Melodie Turori / July 13, 2014

    “The CIA estimates the population of the Cook Islands is declining by 3 percent per year, a rate second only to war-torn Syria.” This story from the Star Tribune is about Niue, however it highlights one of…

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  • Culture,  Film Update

    Where in the world are the Cook Islands?

    By Melodie Turori / September 25, 2013

    The number one question we received during PIFA weekend was: “Where in the world are the Cook Islands?” Good question! In short, the Cooks are south of Hawaii and in between Samoa and Tahiti. The plane ride…

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  • Culture

    The beginner’s guide to tivaevae terms

    By Melodie Turori / August 6, 2013

    This week is Cook Islands Maori Language Week in New Zealand. In celebration, here are 7 Maori words or phrases relating to tivaevae. Tivaevae The name for this art form is sometimes spelled ‘tivaivai,’ and the meaning…

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  • Culture

    Cook Islands proverb

    By Melodie Turori / June 17, 2013

    Te maata i taau ka oronga ko te maata rai ia i taau ka rauka. The more you give the more you receive. If you give a lot you will receive a lot. Do not be selfish.

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