Rito Hat

human history

Description
Rito Hat; Immature coconut leaves - rito, centre of crown is an oval disc of pearl shell which is perforated along the edge of the shell to take commencement of strands. Side of crown has open weave patterning. Outer rim of hat brim is upturned and the rim is reinforced with plastic strapping and woven over. The hat band is of plain pandanus made and yellow snail shells.
Place
Tongareva (Penrhyn Atoll)/Cook Islands
Accession Number
2018.68.34
Accession Date
09 Nov 2018
Department
Pacific

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Credit Line
Collection of Auckland Museum Tāmaki Paenga Hira, 2018.68.34
Public Access Text
All the items in this collection express how relationships and familial connections are nurtured through the practice of making and the sharing of Cook Islands’ knowledge and skills with regards to cultural objects, music and materiality. Crafting within Cook Islands also represents an income generating practice among creative and cultural communities, specifically with the aspect of contemporary tourist art from these regions as expressions of national cultural identity.
The rito hat is made from the immature coconut leaves called rito; the designs, patterns and adornments vary according to the maker’s knowledge. Some rito hats can be replications of other hats and the aesthetic differences are found within the embellishments and finishes. Bespoke rito hats can also be designed according to the buyer’s requirements.
Cultural Origin
Cook Islands
Collection
Jean Mason
Primary Maker
Unknown (Maker)
Place
Tongareva (Penrhyn Atoll)/Cook Islands
Date
Circa 2012
Technique
plaited

woven
Period
21st century
Media
young, white coconut leaf/coconut leaf/leaf (plant material)/plant material
pearl shell/shell
plastic/organic material
pandanus (leaf)/leaf (plant material)/plant material
snail/shell
Measurement Description
Measurements: 375mm (diameter) X 90mm (height).
Measurement Reading
375mm
90mm (Crown)
Subject Category
Adornment/- PACIFIC SUBJECTS -
Contemporary Expression of Identity/- PACIFIC SUBJECTS -
Fibrework/- PACIFIC SUBJECTS -
Weaving/- PACIFIC SUBJECTS -
Classification
Hat, Sun
Hat
Headwear
Clothing
03 Personal Artifacts
Last Update
29 Nov 2018

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Rito Hat

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