Women, art, and the crafting of ethnicity in contemporary French Polynesia

Focuses on the role of women in the 'artisanat traditionnel' craft cooperative movement. Analyses the patron-client relationship between local politicians and craft cooperatives. Argues that politicians use women artists as symbols of Polynesian ethnic identity and legitimate authority, while leaders of cooperatives use the political system to gain access to markets, resources and power for women artists. Discusses the threat that political and commercial arrangements pose to the traditional prestige of women artists in their local communities. Source: National Library of New Zealand Te Puna Matauranga o Aotearoa, licensed by the Department of Internal Affairs for re-use under the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 New Zealand Licence.