Whatu Kakahu

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.