Kaotan ma kabwarabwaraan Tibuta aikai e bon kamatata kakannaton ma tararaoin Te Tibuta iroura ainen Kiribati.

This exhibition honours the significance of tibuta, Kiribati’s national tops, worn by women as markers of identity and pride.

Saturday 7 October – Saturday 11 November 2023

Kaetaeta Watson and Louisa Humphry, MNZM, wear their tibuta proudly because it strongly identifies who they are as I-Kiribati in Aotearoa. Their research in 2021 revealed a lack of resources into tibuta by I-Kiribati, for I-Kiribati. There was also very little information found within museum institutions around the world. This exhibition is an attempt to fill this gap by honouring and celebrating the history of tibuta, as remembered, known and told by I-Kiribati diaspora communities from Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland, Pārāwai Thames, Waikato, Whiritoa, Tauranga, Porirua and from their beloved homeland of Kiribati.

Each tibuta on display carries the legacy of grandmothers, mothers, daughters and granddaughters. They come with narratives around making practices, distinctive styles, gifting and wearing of tibuta for life-affirming moments such as family reunions, village gatherings and engagements. All of the stories shared in this exhibition have been lovingly authored by I-Kiribati, for I-Kiribati.

Tibuta - Kinaakiia Ainen Kiribati | Tibuta - Identifies Kiribati Women exhibition at Pātaka Art + Museum in Porirua closing

Over the weekend, we marked the conclusion of the Tibuta - Kinaakiia Ainen Kiribati | Tibuta - Identifies Kiribati Women exhibition at Pātaka Art + Museum in Porirua. For five weeks, this extraordinary exhibition captivated audiences with a diverse array of tibuta and their accompanying stories. Our day included the official closure of the exhibition, the launch of the publication bearing the same name, and an engaging fashion show.

Kam rabwa to everyone who joined us on Saturday, we had a blast! We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Manatū Taonga Ministry for Culture and Heritage, Pātaka Art + Museum, J R McKenzie Trust, Creative New Zealand, and Pacifica Arts Centre for their invaluable support.

Books are available for purchase so please email any requests through to:

barbara@lagi-maama.com