Taniko

Tāniko is a uniquely Māori variation of whatu (twining) and is used to weave the colourful, intricate borders of cloaks. Learn about the process, purposes, and patterns of this extremely demanding technique. 

Developing tāniko

Māori weavers developed tāniko by introducing coloured horizontal threads to the whatu twining technique. They worked out that they could combine full and half twists to bring one or another colour to the front. In this way, they could create intricate geometric patterns.

Tāniko is the most challenging of all Māori weaving techniques. The weaver usually creates the tāniko borders with the same vertical threads as a cloak’s main body, so she has to plan the entire garment before beginning to weave.

Uses of tāniko

In cloak-making, tāniko is used only for borders since the weave is too stiff to suit entire garments.

Tāniko is also used to make pari (bodices), tīpare (headbands), tāpeka (sashes), tātua (belts), and taonga whakapaipai (jewellery).

Tāniko patterns and meanings

Tāniko designs express histories, ideas, and values important in the Māori world. 

Four major patterns feature in tāniko, and each has its own meaning. The meaning of many other designs has been lost.

Waharua kōpito

Waharua kōpito consists of vertically paired diamond shapes. The literal translation is ‘a point where people or events cross’. The pattern is a reminder that change occurs at such meeting points.

Aronui

Like waharua kōpito, aronui (or aonui) are triangular patterns. The design refers to the pursuit of knowledge about the natural world.

Aramoana

Aramoana means ‘pathway of the sea’. The horizontal zigzags suggest pathways that the ocean and other waterways provide to many destinations.

Tukemata

Tukemata literally means ‘eyebrows’, but this design, with its notched zigzag patterns, has different meanings in different regions.