Story: Māori clothing and adornment – kākahu Māori

Flax rain cape, around 1910

Flax rain cape, around 1910

By the early 20th century, when this photo was taken, rain capes made entirely of flax by traditional techniques were already rare. This example is worn by Pai Kanohi of Tūhoe, seen sitting in the porch of a storehouse at Ruatāhuna in the Urewera. He is surrounded by carved gourds protected with flax coverings.

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Alexander Turnbull Library
Reference: 1/2-019482-F

Permission of the Alexander Turnbull Library, National Library of New Zealand, Te Puna Mātauranga o Aotearoa, must be obtained before any re-use of this image.

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How to cite this page:

Awhina Tamarapa and Patricia Wallace, 'Māori clothing and adornment – kākahu Māori - Practical wear', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/photograph/41003/flax-rain-cape-around-1910 (accessed 30 March 2024)

Story by Awhina Tamarapa and Patricia Wallace, published 5 Sep 2013