Tāniko weaving

The first line of a weaving pattern is called the aho tapu – sacred thread. It is the most important and difficult line, requiring the weaver’s complete concentration. Past weavers carried the pattern entirely in their heads.

The aronui, or triangular pattern, of this taniko weaving refers to pursuit of knowledge about the natural world. Taniko is a technique used to create the decorative borders of cloaks. The weaver twines several aho (horizontal threads) of different colours, varying which colour they bring to the front to enclose the whenu (vertical thread).

The names of these threads are rich in symbolism. They suggest connections among people, between humans and the land, and between the physical and spiritual realms.