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Story: Māori clothing and adornment – kākahu Māori

Kaitaka huaki, with dog hair tufts

This fine kaitaka huaki from the early 19th century has bunches of white dog hair sewn onto the harakeke (flax) foundation. The double tāniko borders on three sides have been woven in black and undyed flax fibre, plus red, blue, green and yellow wool.

Using this item

British Museum

Reference: Oc1995,Q.7

Permission of the British Museum must be obtained before any re-use of this image.

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How to cite this page

Awhina Tamarapa rāua ko Patricia Wallace, Māori clothing and adornment – kākahu Māori – Ngā pueru – prestige garments, Te Ara – the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, https://teara.govt.nz/en/zoomify/41000/kaitaka-huaki-with-dog-hair-tufts (accessed 4 June 2026).

Story by Awhina Tamarapa rāua ko Patricia Wallace, published 4 March 2013.