Join us for a special Friends talk and viewing of the exhibition Threads that Weave the World. In this floortalk Joji Jacob and Shani Pillai will introduce our group to the exhibition and highlight the rich heritage people from different parts of the world have brought into NZ.
The exhibition aims to provide an appreciation of cultures all over the world and how they have expressed their sense of self through the amazing costumes and accessories they wore.
It will also make it apparent how these amazing skills and knowledge are now disappearing around the world really rapidly. It poses the question: What can we each do to keep the remaining artisans practising these arts?
Shani Pillai and Joji Jacob’s roots are in India, they are Kiwis at heart, proud Wellingtonians & honoured to be Friends of Te Papa.
Shani is of South Indian heritage and has textiles weaving in her DNA from her father’s side of the family. Her mother tongue is Tamil, she also speaks fluent English, Bahasa Malaysia and understands Cantonese. Joji’s origins are in Kerala. He speaks fluent English, Hindi and Malayalam (his mother tongue), understands several Indian languages, and has experienced the cultures of several regions of India due to his father’s varied postings in the Indian Army. Their boutique tour business is fast gaining international recognition, with Chanel Fashion House being their latest client.
Tickets includes admission and talk.