Story: Natural environment

A flax backpack (3rd of 3)

A flax backpack

This backpack was made from flax leaves. Māori could create a kete (basket) in a matter of minutes – there was no need to carry baskets when they could always be made from the flax which is widespread in New Zealand. Some baskets had an open-weave construction so that when kūmara (sweet potato) were collected, the soil would fall through the bottom, while the water from shellfish would drain away.

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Te Ara - The Encyclopedia of New Zealand
Photograph by Emma Dewson

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How to cite this page:

Carl Walrond, 'Natural environment - The bush and its plants', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/photograph/2683/a-flax-backpack (accessed 25 April 2024)

Story by Carl Walrond