Collection of Auckland Museum Tamaki Paenga Hira, 14336

'Very little is known about the exact origin of these Mangaian tapa masks called pare eva or pare tareka - which is frustrating, especially in view of the rarity of masks in Polynesia. The word eva relates to mourning ceremonies, while tareka suggests festive dancing. Masks were apparently worn in pageants or tableau called eva commemorating the actions of gods and culture heroes.' Neich and Pendergrast, 'Pacific Tapa', 1997.

Cook Islands

Pre 1925

beaten

bark cloth

wood/plant material

930mm

270mm

Pare eva. Mask. Made of tapa (barkcloth) that is pulled over a wooden a frame. The tapa is decorated with motifs rendered in black dye. Conical in shape. Two holes cut out to form the eyes, and a hole cut out to form the mouth. Motifs and patterns are rendered in black dye across the entirety of the pare eva.

Bark Cloth

Textileworking T&E

Tools & Equipment

Mask

Ceremonial Artefacts

Communication Artefacts

Mask, Ritual

Religious Objects

Ceremonial Artifacts

08 Communication Artifacts

20 Sep 2018