A celebration of the science and art of Māori weaving, focused on the largest collection of Māori cloaks in the world.
Whatu Kākahu | Māori Cloaks unlocks the doors of Te Whare Pora o Hine-teiwaiwa, the Te Papa storeroom, to reveal one of the largest collection of kākahu
in the world.
Informative essays by expert contributors outline the intricate techniques
employed in kākahu construction and also explain the tradition and spiritual
significance of weaving. A major section examines forty kākahu from the Te
Papa collection in detail, revealing their often remarkable provenance.
In this revised edition, a new chapter celebrates stunning contemporary
kākahu that have come into the Te Papa collection since 2011. It also discusses
the care and continuity of Māori cloak weaving from the viewpoint of weaving
practitioners, researchers and museum custodians.
Illustrated throughout with stunning photographs showing the immense
beauty of these taonga, Whatu Kākahu: Māori Cloaks is an unparalleled
celebration of the mātauranga, science, and art of Māori weaving.
