This book presents Polynesian weaving in both its ancient and contemporary forms across all the archipelagos. A fundamental aspect of daily life in the past, weaving continues to hold an important place in Polynesian social and cultural life. With its many forms and names, its essence is rooted in the history of the men and women who make up contemporary Polynesia.
The first part of the book explores weaving through the lens of human experience, accompanying people from the earliest legends to traditional navigation, through the main aspects of daily and religious life, and even to death—the final journey where weaving continues to follow the individual. It also examines weaving through its principal materials—pandanus and coconut—along with other plant-based resources and a variety of techniques.
The modern and contemporary section highlights how this tradition has evolved amid the profound transformations of Polynesian society following contact with the West at the end of the 18th century. Several factors contributed to the rise of craftsmanship, of which weaving remains a key element.
The book also sheds light on contemporary weaving and its socio-economic role in Polynesia. Social changes have led to a shift in weaving styles, blending traditional and modern techniques into a distinctive fusion.
Material preparation and weaving techniques are illustrated through interviews conducted in the Austral Islands with artisans for whom weaving is a primary activity.
The illustrations provide a detailed glimpse into everyday gestures, often unknown to the general public. The book’s chronological approach offers a unique view of Polynesian weaving in its historical and social context. It underscores the importance of weaving down to the smallest details of daily life and shows how it forms an integral part of Polynesian cultural heritage.