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Visual art in the Cooks has exploded in recent times, with some of the Pacific's best artists providing an eclectic mix from contemporary abstract to traditionally inspired works.
The production of local artwork has skyrocketed since the inception of galleries promoting them in 2001 and these days, connoisseurs of art are familiar with such names as Eruera Nia, Loretta Reynolds, Ian George and Mahariki Tangaroa - just to name a few.
International workshops have inspired local artists to explore new avenues of medium, which includes utilising materials of the past and promoting an environmental theme.
The range of art covers everything from carving, printmaking and painting to the fabulous tivaevae - something the Cook Islands have been renowned for, for decades. Cook Islands art is now regarded as having the potential to create one of the largest export industries the tiny nation has to offer.
Arts and crafts are readily available in the Cooks with the most popular souvenir items being the wooden carvings of the phallic demi-god 'Tangaroa'.
The pareu is the modern day garment regularly in use in the Cooks. It is a length of cloth about 2 metres long, which can be tied around the body in a variety of ways. Pareus are a practical garment for the hot climate, the light colourful fabrics wash and dry quickly and are equally good as picnic cloths or convenient towels.
Dresses, skirts and blouses of the same material are also popular with women, while men prefer the island-style aloha shirts.
Particular islands in the Cooks often specialise in a particular handicraft. The omate shell and seed hat bands come from Mangaia, while finely woven pandanus mats come from Pukapuka. All are available on Rarotonga. Palm and pandanus leaves are so well woven that the end product often has the appearance of a linen fabric.
One of the finest examples of local handicraft is the weaved rito hat. These hats are available to tourists, but are not just a curiosity, they are a vital part of every Cook Islands woman's dress.
Woven baskets are always a popular item and are made from the fibre of coconuts. The attractively carved slit drums (pate) from the Northern Group islands are another good souvenir.
If you are looking to collect souvenirs of your stay, then carved bowls, pandanus bags from Mitiaro, hand-made pottery and wooden storyboards from Atiu are all available at reasonable prices.
The relaxed island lifestyle has also seen a sharp rise in the number of fine artists who are based on the islands. Visitors are welcome to view the works in the galleries, which range from tropical oil paintings, portraits and sketches to water colours of island scenes.
The Cook Island women are renowned for their craftwork particularly their Tivaevae. These are handmade bedspreads mainly featuring brightly coloured flowery patterns.
Local women make and reserve these for special occasions. The traditional island cloth, tapa is enjoying a revival in its popularity.
It is produced by beating the bark until the required texture is obtained and is decorated with traditional cultural patterns. While it's lack of comfort means it is no longer used for garments, it does make - and is often used for - a fabulous wall hanging.
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