Whariki (mat)

This beautiful whariki was made by mother and daughter weavers Matekino Lawless and Christina Wirihana , and was acquired as a functional taonga for use on formal occasions on Te Papa's marae Te Hono-ki-Hawaiki. The decorative pattern featured on the whariki is called 'Te Hera Waka-o-Tainui'. It is a design that both weavers often incorporate into their weaving and is symbolic of their Tainui identity. Christina and Matekino learnt to weave together in the 1960's and have continued to weave together learning to perfect their technique and develop the art form of weaving Maori textiles.

" We both share a strong understanding in our mahi and being in one another's space is inspirational and peaceful. We experience this continuously throughout all the weaving we are involved in and each strand we weave is reflective of this".

Christina Wirihana, 1998

Both Christine and Matekino actively teach weaving to ensure the tradition survives.