MURA-MOA

“Mururoa is one of the atolls in the Pacific where France tested nuclear weapons between 1966 and 1996. Now scarred by colonial destruction, Mururoa symbolises the disregard European forces often showed towards Indigenous Pacific cultures, their traditions, and their lands.

The Pacific Sisters responded by creating this aitu (avatar), MuruMoa. More than a costume, MuruMoa is a guardian of the post-nuclear world, protecting motu (lands), moana (oceans) and tagata (people). Inspired by the protest song “”Moruroa”” by long-time Pacific Sister Henry Ah-Foo Taripo, the piece mixes cultural symbols with modern materials to reflect Pacific resilience.

MuruMoa’s striking robe and headpiece are made from volcanic rock, shells, silk, raffia, horse bone, wool and other materials. The Sisters use this piece to confront viewers with the region’s history of injustice, while envisioning a future where Pacific communities are empowered and sustainable.”