Story: Rural language

Travelling on a mōkihi

Travelling on a mōkihi

The mōkihi (known to Europeans as a moki or moggy) was a raft made of bundles of flax or raupō (bulrush) stalks. It was invented and used by Māori, but some Europeans also used the craft when exploring their new country. This sketch by missionary Richard Taylor shows a Māori crossing a river on a raupō mōkihi, probably in the 1840s.

Using this item

Alexander Turnbull Library
Reference: E-296-q-165-1
Pencil and ink drawing by Richard Taylor

Permission of the Alexander Turnbull Library, National Library of New Zealand, Te Puna Mātauranga o Aotearoa, must be obtained before any re-use of this image.

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How to cite this page:

Dianne Bardsley, 'Rural language - Māori influences', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/artwork/18587/travelling-on-a-mokihi (accessed 28 March 2024)

Story by Dianne Bardsley, published 24 Nov 2008