Author(s): Ngāhuia Te Awekōtuku, Donna Campbell; Nathan Pōhio; Awhina Tamarapa

Craft | Maori | Textiles | Christchurch Art Gallery Te Puna o Waiwhetu

A stunning new book on the work of Aotearoa New Zealand’s senior Māori weavers. The story of Māori weaving is one of great skill, determination and survival. When colonisation threatened Māori society, the women continued to weave. When their taonga plant species were threatened, they advocated for their land and resources. Against overwhelming odds, they upheld the mana and traditions of raranga, passing down their skills and knowledge to ensure that this vital practice thrives in our contemporary world.

In this book, the works and stories of the senior weavers of Te Kāhui Whiritoi show the complexity and beauty of raranga, placing te whare pora, the house of weaving, at the centre of Māori life, where it connects the weaver to their whakapapa and whenua, their whānau, iwi and tūpuna.

The weavers of Te Kāhui Whiritoi are Cath Brown, Emily Rangitiaria Schuster, Whero o te Rangi Bailey, Te Aue Davis, Diggeress Rangituatahi Te Kanawa, Matekino Lawless, Eddie Maxwell, Saana Waitai Murray, Riria Smith, Toi Te Rito Maihi, Ranui Ngarimu, Reihana Parata, Connie Pewhairangi-Potae, Madeleine Sophie Tangohau, Mere Walker, Pareaute Nathan, Sonia Snowden, Christina Hurihia Wirihana.

Features texts in te reo Māori and English by Ngāhuia Te Awekōtuku, Donna Campbell, Nathan Pōhio and Awhina Tamarapa, interviews with the weavers, and beautiful photography of kākahu, whāriki, kete, pōtae, piupiu, tukutuku, pākē, paraerae and more.

Raranga, the Māori art of weaving, is deeply bound with the customs and protocols of te ao Māori. The weavers of Te Kāhui Whiritoi are considered to be the most accomplished of all Māori weavers, and are of great significance to the art history of Aotearoa New Zealand. Written in te reo Māori and English, this book shares the energy, culture and strength of the weavers of Te Kāhui Whiritoi, and their taonga. It honours their voices, stories and knowledge, celebrating weaving as a significant artform with a long and special history and a vibrant future. Features: • Kakahu,, whāriki (mats), kete, pōtae (hats), piupiu, tukutuku panels, pākē (rain capes), paraerae (shoes) and more. • Beautifully photographed works by Whero Bailey, Cath Brown, Te Aue Davis, Diggeress Te Kanawa, Matekino Lawless, Toi Te Rito Maihi, Eddie Maxwell, Saana Murray, Pareaute Nathan, Ranui Ngarimu, Reihana Parata, Connie Pewhairangi, Emily Schuster, Riria Smith, Sonia Snowden, Madeleine Tangohau, Christina Wirihana and Mere Walker. • Insightful texts by Donna Campbell, Awhina Tamarapa and Ngahuia Te Awekotuku. • Engaging, personal interviews with many of the weavers.