Tibuta – Identifies Kiribati

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

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.

Image credit: Kaetaeta Watson and Louisa Humphry, MNZM. Courtesy of photographer Sonya Nagels and Hui Te Ananui A Tangaroa, New Zealand Maritime Museum, 2023.