Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
See Hirini Moko Mead's
Tikanga Maori,
Pat and Hiwi Tauroa's
Visiting a Marae,
and Anne Salmond's
Hui
for
detailed information on Maori customs.
Weaving
Weaving was an essential art that provided clothing, nets and cordage, footwear for rough
country travel, mats to cover earthen floors, and
kete
(bags). Many woven items are beau-
tiful as well as practical. Some were major works -
korowai
(cloaks) could take years to
finish. Woven predominantly with flax and bird feathers, they are worn now on ceremoni-
al occasions, a stunning sight.
Working with natural materials for the greater good of the people involved getting
things right by maintaining the supply of raw material and ensuring that it worked as it
was meant to. Protocols were necessary, and women were dedicated to weaving under the
aegis of the gods. Today, tradition is greatly respected, but not all traditions are necessar-
ily followed.
Flax was (and still is) the preferred medium for weaving. To get a strong fibre from flax
leaves, weavers scraped away the leaves' flesh with a mussel shell, then pounded until it
was soft, dyed it, then dried it. But contemporary weavers are using everything in their
work: raffia, copper wire, rubber - even polar fleece and garden hoses!
The best way to experience weaving is to contact one of the many weavers running
workshops. By learning the art, you'll appreciate the examples of weaving in museums
even more. And if you want your own? Woven
kete
and backpacks have become fashion
accessories and are on sale in most cities. Weaving is also found in dealer art galleries
around the country.
