Story: Flax and flax working

Weaving muka

Expert weaver Dame Rangimārie Hetet demonstrates Māori weaving techniques in 1986. First she obtains the strong fibre (muka) from a flax leaf by scraping it with a sharp shell. Once the muka has been softened by pounding, she weaves it with feathers into a cloak. The combination of muka and feathers creates a warm fabric.

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How to cite this page:

Nancy Swarbrick, 'Flax and flax working - Māori use of flax', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/video/10384/weaving-muka (accessed 19 April 2024)

Story by Nancy Swarbrick, published 24 Sep 2007