Rau tao (Cook Islands)

Rau tao. Oven cover. Used several times. The name rau tao derives from the rau meaning leaf, and tao meaning to cook in an umu (earth oven). Consists of multiple leaves, possibly hau (hibiscus) or breadfruit, layered on top of each other. The leaves are flattened out, and fixed together with stalks pierced and threaded through the centre area of the leaves. The leaves are symmetrically arranged with their stalks protruding through the foundation leaves on the under surface.

50809 (ethnology)

Pacific