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‘Tui cloak’, 2004

‘Tui cloak’, 2004

This cloak by Kōhai Grace is characteristic of much Māori art in using modern materials and techniques to give new life to old forms. The cloak combines traditional flax and feathers with modern dyes and copper. Kōhai Grace explains the inspiration for the cloak: ’I live on my own papakāinga (village) by the sea and tui fly about my house all day, every day, so it’s only natural – I believe it to be traditional – to draw ideas and inspiration from your own immediate environment.’

About this item

Pataka - Porirua Museum of Arts and Cultures
Reference: Photographer: Norman Heke
Mixed media by Kohai Grace

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How to cite this page:

Te Ahukaramū Charles Royal. 'Māori', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, updated 21-Sep-11
URL: http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/maori/5/5