Kete Whakairo named "Moe Mai Ra"

This kete whakairo (patterned bag) named Moe Mai Ra was woven by Purewa MacGregor (Taranaki, Rongowhakaata). 
This kete whakairo is woven from natural and black dyed harakeke (New Zealand flax) of the tāpoto variety using 3.3mm whenu. A braid of natural white muka with tassels forms the handle.

Moe Mai Ra was woven as part of the Ka Whaihanga wānanga held over ten days at Otari-Wilton’s Bush taught under the tutelage of master weavers Matthew McIntyre-Wilson (Taranaki, Ngā Māhanga, Tītahi) and Charlene Fraser (Ngāti Rangitihi, Ngāti Tukorehe, Ngāti Ruakā). This kete whakairo was also part of the Ka Whaihanga exhibition which was held over four days at the Futuna Chapel in Karori at the completion of the wānanga.

Purewa was initially directed to the pattern utilised in this kete whakairo when she was given a copy by Matthew McIntyre Wilson. Purewa who was beginning to understand the design and creation of her own patterns viewed the weaving of this pattern as a test. The skills and techniques learned at the wānanga under the tutelage of Charlene and Matthew helped her develop the technique and skills needed to produce this kete.

Purewa states that the Ka Whaihanga wānanga was of pivotal importance, as being able to meet, share, and communicate these ideas in a wāanga context during Covid-19 was both comforting and empowering to her as a raranga practicioner.