Celebrating Piupiu: by weaver Donna Baker

Celebrating Piupiu: Inspired by the past
A live Matariki exhibition by local weaver, Donna Baker
22 – 26 June 2009 / 10.30 am to 3.00 pm daily

For one week only visitors to Russell Museum during Matariki (Maori New Year) 2009 will be given a rare opportunity to view local weaver, Donna Baker in the traditional practice of making piupiu and to ask questions about this Maori art form. During Matariki, Donna turns to her tupuna (ancestor) Ngapuhi chief Pomare II, for inspiration.Taking themes from a cloak (kahu) originally worn by Pomare II, Donna applies them to design a contemporary piupiu. Harakeke, (Phiormium tenax, flax), is prepared into strips of harakeke by scraping away areas of the outer membrane with a mussel shell to expose the long threads underneath. When dry the strips are dyed staining the exposed membrane to form a pattern. The strips are woven into a waistband which is often adorned with feathers, tassels or paua shell. Piupiu were worn by Maori before colonization. Today the are worn on special occasions.

Event listed by Shelley Arlidge

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