Through costume making, we are promoting the creation of Cook Islands artistry. Know for its skilled use of natural colours and elements, Cook Islands costumes have evolved over the years to embrace the locations that our Cook Islanders have migrated to.
Each Te Maeva Nui, there is a requirement for teams to create beautiful, unique and traditional costume-wear to be used in each performance. Since there are five categories, each category needs its own unique costume; and each costume needs to tie into the story being told in each performance piece. To do this takes skill, and hundreds of man hours – from sourcing raw materials, to sewing, stitching and gluing everything in minute detail for the 60+ cast of performers.
Te Maeva Nui is working to create classes that, not only teach, but lead to production level costume making, giving people the opportunity to learn from master costume makers and master craftsman.