Published by Te Papa Press
A celebration of the science and art of Māori weaving, focused on the largest collection of Māori cloaks in the world.
Whatu Kākahu | Māori Cloaks unlocks the doors of Te Whare Pora o Hine-teiwaiwa, the Te Papa storeroom, to reveal one of the largest collection of kākahu in the world.
Informative essays by expert contributors outline the intricate techniques employed in kākahu construction and also explain the tradition and spiritual significance of weaving. A major section examines forty kākahu from the Te Papa collection in detail, revealing their often remarkable provenance.
In this revised edition, a new chapter celebrates stunning contemporary kākahu that have come into the Te Papa collection since 2011.It also discusses the care and continuity of Māori cloak weaving from the viewpoint of weaving practitioners, researchers and museum custodians.
Illustrated throughout with stunning photographs showing the immense beauty of these taonga, Whatu Kākahu: Māori Cloaks is an unparalleled celebration of the mātauranga, science, and art of Māori weaving.
Look Inside Whatu Kākahu here
About the Editor
Awhina Tamarapa (Ngāti Kahungunu, Ngāti Ruanui, Ngāti Pikiao) holds a Bachelor of Māori Laws and Philosophy from Te Wānanga o Raukawa, Otaki, and a Bachelor of Arts from Victoria University, Wellington, where she majored in Anthropology. She has worked in museums for more than 10 years, including as concept developer and collection manager at Te Papa.
Extent: 224 pages
Format: Hardback