Te puna waiora: The distinguished weavers of Te Kahui Whiritoi

Te puna waiora: The distinguished weavers of Te Kāhui Whiritoi – by Donna Campbell

Raranga, the Māori art of weaving, is deeply bound with the customs and protocols of te ao Māori.

The story of Māori weaving is one of great skill, determination and survival. When colonisation threatened Māori society, the women continued to weave. When their taonga plant species were threatened, they advocated for their land and resources. Against overwhelming odds, they upheld the mana and traditions of raranga, passing down their skills and knowledge – the eternal thread – ensuring that this vital practice thrives in our contemporary world.

The weavers of Te Kāhui Whiritoi are considered to be the most accomplished of all Māori weavers, and are of great significance to the art history of Aotearoa New Zealand. Written in te reo Māori and English, this book shares the energy, culture and strength of the weavers of Te Kāhui Whiritoi, and their taonga. It honours their voices, stories and knowledge, celebrating weaving as a significant artform with a long and special history and a vibrant future.

Features:

• Kakahu, whāriki (mats), kete, pōtae (hats), piupiu, tukutuku panels, pākē (rain capes), paraerae (shoes) and more.

• Beautifully photographed works by Whero Bailey, Cath Brown, Te Aue Davis, Diggeress Te Kanawa, Matekino Lawless, Toi Te Rito Maihi, Eddie Maxwell, Saana Murray, Pareaute Nathan, Ranui Ngarimu, Reihana Parata, Connie Pewhairangi, Emily Schuster, Riria Smith, Sonia Snowden, Madeleine Tangohau, Christina Wirihana and Mere Walker.

• Insightful texts by Donna Campbell, Awhina Tamarapa and Ngahuia Te Awekotuku.

• Engaging, personal interviews with many of the weavers.