One of the most important of the traditional crafts and patternmaking activities, of the Cook Islands is tivaevae quilt making.

Tivaevae takes a prominent place on important occasions and no Cook Islands home is complete without at least one.

Tivaevae are used as bedcovers, wall hangings and farewell gifts, and are displayed and given at haircutting ceremonies, engagements, twenty-firt birthdays, weddings and funerals. They are given as gifts to important people such as ministers and judges.