Nga Whakatupuranga - Generations of Weaving

Weaving, like many aspects of Māori culture, has been passed down from one generation to another. Retaining, treasuring and developing the teachings of past generations are the responsibility of present generations.

Ngā Whakatupuranga showcases several innovative developments with traditional weaving techniques.

Gorgeous woven korowai (full length cloaks) and hieke paheke (capes) are adorned with feathers from kereru, peahen, pukeko and pheasant. Intricate turapa (wall panels) and kaitaka (cloaks) are woven using harakeke (flax) and kakaho (reeds). Patterns and textures within weaving often tell stories about the piece as well as the artist and their heritage.

One of the exhibition organisers, Christina Wirihana, is exhibiting two intricate tarapauahi (woven shawls) made from muka (flax fibre). Wirihana has spent her life passing on the traditional methods of weaving that her mother taught her as a 12 year old.

Born in Rotorua and raised in Rotoiti, Wirihana achieved an immense cultural milestone in 1989 by being the first Māori weaving teacher to be employed in a tertiary institution. This was a huge step in recognising the importance of keeping this traditional art form alive for future generations.

Wirihana taught at Waiariki Institute of Technology (Rotorua) for 17 years before teaching in Whakatane for 8 years, she currently lectures at Toihoukura Art School in Gisborne, where she commutes weekly from Rotorua.

When Wirihana started at Waiariki in 1989 she vowed to keep true to the traditional practices of weaving, but quickly appreciated the changes in available resources meant embracing contemporary practices alongside long-established methods.

When asked what is the passion behind her life’s works so far Wirihana states “Recognising the artform for what it is and ensuring the sustainability of the practice within the community.” Wirihana’s upbringing as Ngāti Maniapoto-Raukawa, Ngāti Whawhakia and Ngāti Pikiao has played an important part in her evolution as a weaver.

Weavers often refer to the past for inspiration and to provide a story for each piece of art; while forward thinking allows innovative use of methods and medium to embrace and challenge cultural boundaries.

Ngā Whakatupuranga – Generations of Weaving, will be on display at Rotorua Museum from 21 July 2012 until 14 October 2012.

Image credits – Kete, Fiona (Walker) Jones (2012)