Many of the most appealing and flamboyant designs of the human imagination have been expressed in the form of patterns: nearly everything we see, use or wear features pattern of some kind or other. Nowhere is this more evident than in the Pacific, which is home to some of the most innovative patterns in fabric and fibre: an ever-changing story in which the islanders have reacted to the changes brought by contacts with Europe or by contemporary Western popular culture. Using natural fibres taken from local plant resources, such as coconut palm or pandanus leaves, and contemporary materials, including unravelled plastic sacking and lengths of shiny video tape, patterns of astonishing creativity and colour are woven, bound, knotted, plaited, rubbed or stamped.

    Lavishly illustrated throughout with a rare combination of contemporary, archival and museum images, Pacific Pattern take us on a stunning visual journey through the history of the Pacific, the various techniques associated with fibre and fabric and their cultural relevance to the people. It is the first book to reach beyond the ritual domain to encompass patterns in the everyday sphere, including the traditional patterns found in floor coverings, cooking containers of storage baskets and use of fibre art in architecture and interiors. This treasure trove of inspiration will captivate anyone who has ever been interested in what anthropologists can tell us about the expression of our deepest feelings and beliefs and will be an indispensable sourcebook for artists, craftspeople, designers and architects worldwide.

1. A History of Pattern in Fibre and Fabric in The South Pacific
2. Traditional Pattern: Techniques and Media
3. Comtemporary Pattern: Materiality and Modrenity
4. Pattern in Architecture and Interior Design
5. Patterns on The Body
6. Patterns of The Mind