The traditional arts and crafts of the South Pacific have in the past been created for function rather than aesthetic. However as time and exposure to the outside world has introduced new products to fill the functional roles, those carefully crafted objects have also become admired art.

Skilled wood carvings on boats, musical instruments, bowls, boards, religious statues and weapons have become forms of art in people's homes, cherished objects passed down from family to family or used in everyday life.

Weaving of hats, fans, bags and baskets is still very popular in the Cook Islands, with women wearing intricately woven hats to church every Sunday and sometimes out and about during the week.

Materials from coconut and pandanus trees are widely used for arts and crafts, as are palm fronds for weaving.  See an Aitutaki island night to see the extensive use of palm frond weaving and plaiting in the costumes of the dancers, or ask your Activities manager at your resort to teach you how to weave a head ai (plaited fronds decorated with beautiful island flowers).  Almost everyone on Aitutaki has this wonderful skill.

Cook Island Pearls
Cultured black pearls are another more recent addition to the artistic expression of the Cook Islands. These amazing jewels are carefully farmed in the peaceful lagoons of the outer islands. You can purchase Black Pearls on Aitutaki, either loose, or in an array of beautiful settings.

Modern Art
In recent times a thriving arts community has expanded across the Cook Islands, with lots of local support from art galleries and visiting overseas artists.  Local paintings have been exhibited here in the Cook Islands and in well known New Zealand galleries to rave reviews.

Tivaevae
Another traditional art, become more popular in modern times, is the making of Tivaevae (Tivaivai - to stitch) or quilts.  These handmade bedspreads are vibrantly colourful expressions of Cook Island designs and a labour of love from the women who make them.  Unique to the Cook Islands, they are often gifted on special occasions or hung as works of art in the home.