Story: Māori clothing and adornment – kākahu Māori

The word 'piupiu' means 'to swing', and is also the name for a skirt with free-hanging strands. Piupiu could be worn either around the waist or across one shoulder. They were made in many types of material and styles. This example, from around 1900, is made from the soft inner bark of the houhere (lacebark), with a harakeke (flax) band and cords. The weaver has also used white kererū (native pigeon) and brown kiwi feathers.