Pareu

Pareu. Skirt. Multiple bundles of kiriau (hibiscus fibre) strands wrapped and knotted around a cotton cord. A band woven of rauara (pandanus) defines the waistband. The band is woven out in check and is handsewn, using cotton thread, to the top of the pareu. Overlaid dyed orange/brown and dyed black strips of apuraka (stalk of the giant swamp taro) form zigzag patterns across the band. A piece of red cloth is handsewn using cotton thread to an end of the wiastband. A tuft of kiriau is handsewn using cotton thread onto the red cloth and band. Three slits (cut in the manner of buttonholes) are visible across the red cloth on the back-end of the waistband.

Other Name

Waist garment (English)

Place

Cook Islands

Accession Number

1954.11.25

Accession Date

15 Jan 1954

Other Id

33703.1 (ethnology)

Department

Pacific