This is the fourth blog where we highlight items from the collections as part of Cook Islands language week (6-10 August 2012). I have selected a small number of portraits by George Crummer who had a photography business in Rarotonga, Cook Islands from 1890.
Te Papa has an album and 227 (now badly deteriorated) negatives taken by George Crummer between 1896 and c.1914. They were gifted to the Museum by the National Film Unit around 1980.
I was struck by the different styles of clothing and costumes people are wearing in these photographs and I share a few of them here. Yesterday, Safua highlighted some contemporary mu’umu’u, however, here we go old school, Rarotonga - Cook Islands 1914. There are some mu’umu’u in the selection, but check out the cowboy outfit and the hats…it’s Cook Islands style.
Te Ao Teariki (Chief) and his wife from Areora village on Mauke Island.
Cook Islands cowboy
To celebrate Cook Islands language week (6 -10 August), the Pacific Cultures team are blogging about collection items from the Cook Islands.
Mu’umu’u (dress); FE012459; Purchased 2009; Te Papa
These mu’umu’u (dress) are part of a number of dresses acquired by the Pacific Cultures collection in 2009 from Tepaeru Tereora. Tereora was the fifth National President for Pacific Allied (Women’s) Council Inspires Faith Ideals Concerning All Incorporation which was established in 1977. The mu’umu’u dresses were made for Mrs Tereora during her time as president by various branches of the P.A.C.I.F.I.C.A organisation.
Mu’umu’u (dress); FE012460; Purchased 2009; Te Papa
The mu’umu’u or mother hubbard style dress was introduced by missionaries to the Cook Islands in the 1820s. For various reasons including ideas about modesty and the fashion trend, the mu’umu’u was adopted in the nineteenth century. Since its introduction, the mu’umu’u like those belonging to Tereora have become a vital part of Cook Islands fashion style.
View the Tales from Te Papa video featuring Tepaeru Tereora:
Tales from Te Papa Series 2011, Episode 3 | P.A.C.I.F.I.C.A. Dresses
Unknown woman; B.028279; George Crummer, circa 1910 ; Te Papa
