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Kōrero: Flax and flax working

Traditional weaving

Image
Traditional weaving

This old cloak, known as a kaitaka paepaeroa, is a fine example of weaving using the best quality muka (flax fibre). Wool is used in the intricate patterned border. Kaitaka paepaeroa were a prestigious type of cloak in the 18th and 19th centuries.

Te whakamahi i tēnei tūemi

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.

Ngā whakaahua me ngā rauemi katoa o tēnei kōrero

Me pēnei te tohu i te whārang

Nancy Swarbrick, Flax and flax working – Māori use of flax, Te Ara – the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, https://teara.govt.nz/mi/object/10385/traditional-weaving (accessed 24 June 2026).

He kōrero nā Nancy Swarbrick, i tāngia i te 1 March 2009.