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A pareu is versatile and can be worn as a wrap, skirt, top,
dress or whatever else you can create from it! It can be as
sensible or as sensous as you dare. It is most commonly worn
around the waist for men and this style is known as “maro”
or extending to the knee for women in the style known as “pareu”.
It was originally made from imprinting flowers and leaves
with the aid of an anvil on to the coarse cloth. The pareu
became a major pre-occupation to the women of Tahiti and soon
the simple loin cloth was replaced by more elegant pareus
of intricate decoration. Less lengthy than the Indian Sari,
the pareu is around 2 yards long and a similar design is also
used for household decorations like curtains, table clothes
or bed covers.
The Pareu is of Polynesia origin and originally came from
a Maohis tradition. They are traditional made of Tapa,
lightweight plant material.
Other souvenirs to be had in Tahiti are black pearls, a “pate”
musical percussion instrument, or a Tivaevae, floral bedspread.
Many souvenirs are made from wood or shells, particularly
tapa which is the bark of the wild hibiscus, used to make
clothing and decorative flowers.
NOTE TO SHOPPERS:
The pacific islands are not in line with the haggling culture.
Many goods are imported, so don’t argue with the merchant!
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