Facts about Maori Carving and Weaving
- 05
Feather cloaks known as kākahu, woven by Māori women, were among the most prestigious garments and incorporated the feathers of native birds including huia and kiwi.
- 04
The intricate lattice-work panels woven into Māori meeting houses, called tukutuku, are created by women and carry symbolic patterns encoding cultural knowledge.
- 03
Highly skilled Māori carvers traditionally served long apprenticeships, as the craft was considered tapu (sacred) and governed by strict ritual protocols.
- 02
Flax weaving, called raranga in Māori, uses the leaves of the harakeke plant to create kete (baskets), mats, and cloaks.
- 01
Traditional Māori carving, known as whakairo, uses wood, bone, and stone to create intricate patterns representing ancestral figures and tribal histories.