Page 61 - Constructing Craft

Mâori Artists and Craftspeople

Weu (Fibre)

Weaving was critical to the survival of pre-European Māori and continued to be
used in its traditional form into the twentieth century ‒ everything from mats and

sails to baskets and clothing relied on weavers. Both the lauhala (pandanus) and

aute (paper mulberry), traditional Polynesian weaving plants, failed in the temperate
climate of New Zealand and new materials were employed – harakeke (flax), kiekie

(epiphyte) and pingao (shore grass) for instance. Traditional Polynesian weaving
methods were adapted to the new materials.

Hariata Whakatau Pitini-Morera was an important leader of Ngati Kuri, a hapu

(sub-tribe) of Ngai Tahu in the South Island. She was born at Little River in

Canterbury around 1871 or 1872. Although relatively few examples of her craft have
survived, Hariata was an enthusiastic traditional weaver and was highly regarded

for her knowledge. She also strenuously tried to protect rare flaxes used in weaving
– with limited success however.

Hariata Whakatau Pitini-Morera. Photo:
Alexander Turnbull Library.

Constructing Craft