RIMA'I BY VAI | taneraiinia

Rima'i By Vai's core project as of 2025 is to perpetuate the traditional skillset of Rara'a (weaving). Vairea is a 4th generation Va'ine Rara'a, coming from a long line of traditional weavers, she has made it her mission to share it with the world. For more updates on when our next weaving workshops are & their locations, follow us on Instagram @tanerai_i_nia

The Rima'ī is the heart of Tānera'i i Ni'a.

Vairea has worked on mastering her craft since she was a young girl.

This is a video I created in French language to share a brief history of Tahitian costumes for traditional dance.

Vairea's Expertise & Experience:

experience working with various raw materials from Frenchn Polynesia
carries a plethora of knowledge regarding the Mā'ohi aesthetic
understands the symbolism/usage of each plant/flower & colors
assembles vegetal (plant) costumes to fit the situation of each performance

Vairea's work is straight from Polynesia as opposed to making things that *appear* Polynesian

Heart & Soul - The Rara'a:

Specifically, Vairea's expertise is in the Rara'a (traditional Rurutu weaving technique), taught to her by elders of Rurutu island, where the women are famous for their Pe’ue (mats) & other woven accessories made out of Pae'ore (known also as Lauhala).

At home in Tahiti:

she was employed by Lycee Lamennais (Papeete) to teach students how to weave fine mats
has worked for 20+ for Heituitevaianitea weaving bags, hats, fans, mats & other items made of Pae'ore
has woven rara'a costumes for groups in the Heiva such as Hei Tahiti, Tefana I Ahura'i & Nuna'a E Hau

ORDERS & WORKSHOPS

During competition season (March to July): vegetal costumes for solos can be ordered

prices vary based on the request of each dancer
she will focus on the tumu parau (theme) of each dancer's presentation to create accordingly to its text

Off competition season (August to February):

groups or small competition organizations are welcome to book Vairea for a workshop
Vairea is happy to take requests for sketches or prototypes to design costumes for groups