The Tahitians migrated in outrigger canoes up to some northern islands they found and populated them. Due to the hazards and distance they had no further contact with their native Tahiti so then evolved into their own separate yet...very similar people...the Hawaiian's.

Due to historical events, the Hawaiians encountered many more problems with hostile takeovers by multiple countries, which, in the end, made them Americans. They have access to American technology, economy and growth. And of course, languages were also different, since Tahiti is owned by France, where Hawaii is part of the U.S.

Their art of quilt making varied somewhat, but still has its similar basis in history. The Hawaiians insist on solid colors following their ancestors' methodology. Unfortunately, their ancestors only had access to the fabrics provided by the missionary women and they only brought solids for their clothing.

The Hawaiians fold in eighths and the Tahitians fold in fourths. There is a bit of controversy over which is first and oldest. Tahitian designs are more 'folk tale' in design versus the Hawaiian "lacy, flora and fauna feeling'. Tahitian quilts use much more reverse applique and tend to be much more complicated. I suspect this is mostly due to the fact that since they fold in fourths, they have twice the design area and can achieve designs that are more complicated.

©2003 Dierdre McElroy
President Roxanne Products
www.thatperfectstitch.com
didi@roxanneproducts.com
1-800-993-4445

About the Quilt Pictured in This Article:

"Miniature Victorian Orchid"
Made by Dierdra McElroy and is an original design. It was originally designed while we were living in Hawaii and was meant as a cross between the two cultures of Tahiti and Hawaii.