Ms Lakiloko Keakea, of Auckland, MNZM, for services to Tuvaluan art
Lakiloko Keakea is regarded as the master of ‘Mea Taulima’, the Tuvaluan art of ‘treasures created by hand’. She is known for her work with Kolose (weaving), Fafetu (a star-shaped art piece), Laga (weaving of mats), Titi Tao (dancing skirts), and Fou (head garlands). She has been a leader within various women’s groups and has helped develop skills and knowledge around Tuvaluan artifacts and handicrafts. She practices ‘fo’, Tuvaluan traditional massage or healing, and has supported migrants who are unfamiliar with Western medicine. She works with the Pacific Arts Centre, promoting and acknowledging Pacific artists and their work. Ms Keakea hosted her first exhibition in 2018, featuring 50 fafetu.