Story: Māori clothing and adornment – kākahu Māori

Kaitaka paepaeroa (1st of 4)

The kaitaka paepaeroa was a prestigious style of cloak made in the 18th and 19th centuries. This example is woven from the finest quality muka (flax fibre). The intricately patterned tāniko border is made from traditionally dyed fibre and is highlighted with touches of brightly coloured wool yarns, showing the weaver's readiness to incorporate non-traditional materials as soon as they became available.

Using this item

Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa
Reference: B.025480

Permission of the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa 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 - Ngā pueru – prestige garments', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/zoomify/40998/kaitaka-paepaeroa (accessed 25 April 2024)

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