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Story: 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.

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

Nancy Swarbrick, Flax and flax working – Māori use of flax, Te Ara – the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, https://teara.govt.nz/en/object/10385/traditional-weaving (accessed 4 June 2026).

Story by Nancy Swarbrick, published 1 March 2009.