Whatu Kākahu: Māori Cloaks (Second Edition)

This book is written in English.

This award-winning book unlocks the doors of Te Whare Pora o Hine-te-iwaiwa, 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.

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