Andrea Eimke - a journey back in time

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In my second life...

... with six other women of Atiu I founded the Atiu Fibre Arts Studio, Ltd. in 1986. I began researching and experimenting with tapa (bark cloth) collecting historical and cultural information while working with traditional fibre experts on Atiu. During 1987/88 I conducted extensive workshops exploring the methods of tapa making with the members of Atiu Fibre Arts Studio (below).

In 1988: Tepu Parua†, Rangi Tutaka†, Teumere Tangatapoto, Mama Atemaki Pakura†

While I still manage the company, most of its original shareholders have passed on. I have the Studio's workshop to myself now.

I initiated the Cook Islands Tivaivai Association and served as its vice president from 1998 to 2008. I conducted workshops in tivaivai design and techniques on Atiu, Rarotonga, New Zealand, Australia and Spain. I have been involved in curating a number of national and international tivaivai exhibitions. The most recent one was held in Sitges (Spain) in March 2011.

My photographs, research and experiences of living with tivaivai gave a personal voice to the joint book project with German anthropologist and professor at the University in London, Dr. Susanne Kuechler. “Tivaivai – The Social Fabric of the Cook Islands” was published by British Museum Press in March 2009.

In my first life...

... I worked as interpreter, translator and secretary in Spain, Saudi Arabia and Nigeria, before I opted for a career change and decided to turn my love for textiles into a profession. In 1982 I graduated at the Chamber of Industry and Commerce following a two-year apprenticeship as embroiderer in my home-town of Duesseldorf, Germany. After two years in Nigeria, my husband Juergen Manske-Eimke and I established our new home on Atiu in the Cook Islands.