Story: Kauri gum and gum digging

Gum wig (4th of 4)

Gum wig

One of the oddest curios made of kauri gum is strands of ‘hair’. They were made by placing a piece of gum onto a heated plate. This was left for a few seconds and then slowly lifted off. Fine strands formed as the gum was lifted – like threads of toffee. While still warm, the ‘hair’ could be plaited, but once it cooled it became very brittle and could not be handled.

Using this item

The Kauri Museum, Matakohe

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How to cite this page:

Carl Walrond, 'Kauri gum and gum digging - Origin and early uses', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/photograph/12947/gum-wig (accessed 24 April 2024)

Story by Carl Walrond, published 24 Sep 2007