Hinakura Soloist Tahitian Dance Costume

Ancient legends of Tahiti depict Hinakura as a striking and beautiful young maiden who married the equally handsome Tane Nui. The celebration was an historical event that united the people of Tahiti. This costume, created by our featured artisan Tahia Parker, a former "Hinakura" herself, showcases the vibrant colors and details that typically go into making a premier soloists' costume.

Here is her most recent version of the Hinakura costume. It is themed to the ocean and features many different shells and textures to represent the oceans many different moods. The costume is made using a shell lined headband, a beautiful oversized polished mother-of-pearl shell, rooster feathers and sprigs of feather bunches on coconut frond midribs. The headdress is completed with a shower of white shell leis hung at each side draping across the chest.

A matching colored bandeau bra top is included and is easily tied in the back. The hipband is designed to accentuate the back-and-forth of the hip movements. With a matching pareu, the hipband is layered on top leaving the front open. Not only does this allow for forward leg movements but also gives just enough weight to the belt. Adding a more or hau skirt underneath the hipband, creates for a more formal look.

The costume is made to order and strives to stay traditional. However, modern conveniences such as velcro, machine sewing, crafters glue and metal hooks allow for quick changes and durability. In addition to an ocean theme, there are many others that she creates including wind, volcano, fire, goddess, black pearl, beauty, rain, tiare, and royalty.

Tahia themes the Hinakura Soloist Tahitian Dance Costume to the colors requested. Each are a work of art and accentuate the soloists' most dramatic presentations. Prices start from $325. Average production time is 2-4 weeks.

Bonus Trivia: Tahia was one of the first girls to portray Hinakura at the Polynesian Cultural Center's Horizons evening show.

Call to Polynesian Artisans

You may or may not know, but we get the majority of our products from artisans. Whether they call themselves that or not is up to them. But we like to consider all our handicrafters as artisans.

That is why we are opening up a new section on our website featuring artisans of Polynesia. We've got some great Tahitian black pearl jewelry artisans and costume designers that have won awards in many competitions and events. Our first two artisans, Pola Teriipaia and Tahia Parker are accomplished award-winning ra'atira and costume designers. You can take peek at their section here. They have more designs and ideas and we can't wait to unveil them in the coming months.

We also obviously realize that there are so many other artisans out there. Many of them don't have websites. This is a great way for those artisans to reach a larger audience without having to create, purchase and maintain their own website. We even take care of shipping, operational issues and accepting credit cards.

So if you are a Polynesian artisan wanting more exposure, more income, and more clients, consider becoming one of our artisans. Our artisans participating in the section decide on the price, details, options, and timing. All we ask for is a commission and a percentage for covering shipping and handling expenses and charges. We'd love to hear from you and we work on an individual basis because each artisan has their own individual needs and circumstances. Email Scott at scott@blackpearldesigns.net

Black Pearl Designs is looking for artisans who create traditional reproductions, original art, fashions, carvings, music and the like of Polynesian products including Tahitian, Hawaiian, Maori, Fijian, Marquesan, Rarotongan, Tongan and Samoan among others.

We have a built in audience who are more likely to know your product designs or are familiar with the Polynesian cultures in general. Our audience is interested in Polynesian culture, dance, tattooing, art, and music. Contact us today.