Harakeke (New Zealand flax, or Phormium tenax) is the plant at the heart of Maori weaving. Read an overview of its cultivation, symbolism, and harvesting. more>
Early Maori learned to use many plants other than harakeke (New Zealand flax) to weave kakahu (cloaks), some of which are outlined here. They chose particular plants for particular purposes. Their survival depended on exploiting all available resources more>
Maori weavers used feathers to adorn cloaks, creating prestigious kahu huruhuru. Discover the beliefs around birds that make these cloaks so special. Find out why certain feathers were chosen and how they were attached. more>
Muka, the fibre extracted from harakeke (New Zealand flax), forms the base of most kakahu (cloaks). It is also a powerful symbol of connection. Explore its practical, spiritual, and social significance for Maori. more>
Maori stitched dog, seal, and bird skins together to make warm clothing, including prestigious kahu kuri (dog-skin cloaks). Find out what archaeological evidence and research tell us about these animal-skin garments. more>