Itimanuka
God of ocean voyaging
Carving design by: Michael Tavioni

Unfortunately, other than the Fibre Arts Studio, there are not many places where craft is displayed. Most artists, craftsman and artisans produce for the Rarorotonga market. However, this does not mean that craft cannot be found. Check out local carvers Nooroa Paratainga Ph 33377 and Vaine Tomokino Ph 33005 or visit our skilled 8-String Ukelele maker Punua Tauraa Phone 33203. If you visit these carvers early enough in your visit to Atiu they can produce craft to your own individual specifications.

Pate or carved slit gongs

An 8-String Ukalele
Carved by Punua Tauraa

Check out the mama's in the Vainetine building next to the courthouse and townhall. Often you can meet the women there making Tivaevae and tapa flowers. Another way to find the local craftswomen and men is to listen while in the villages. The beating of the bark of the banyan tree makes a loud repetitive thock! thock! and the carvers too are not always quiet. The sounds of hammer against chisel and adze against wood can often be heard. Check out the source of the sounds. You will be welcome.

The Fibre Arts Studio in the home of Andrea Eimke in Mapumai, phone 33031, has excellent displays of her craft and of local craft for sale. The studio specialises in tivaevae, wall hangings and other applique crafts. To find Andrea just follow the signs starting from the main Harbour and airport road next to the Teenui village meeting house.

Tapa Flower made from the bark
of Banyan and breadfruit trees

Reingaroa Teipo beats out the bark of
the banyan tree to make tapa cloth

Tivaevae on display at the
Annual Vainetini Exhibition