Overview
Raranga is a plaiting technique done with just the fingers, no loom. It is used to weave many items, including baskets, mats, and – in the past – some cloaks.
Raranga – origins and evolution
Raranga is a very old art that is practised in many parts of the world. The first Pacific settlers – the ancestors of Māori – brought this technique to Aotearoa New Zealand.
Raranga was originally used to make practical items for survival, like rope, fishing nets, and baskets. Over time, it developed into a highly specialised art, and raranga artists began creating objects of great status. They even adapted the technique to make cloaks.
Materials for raranga
In the Pacific islands, the material used for raranga is often pandanus. Māori weavers use harakeke (New Zealand flax), kiekie, and pīngao (golden sand sedge).
The weaving process
In raranga, the weaver plaits an even number of weaving strips so that they cross each other diagonally. By using dyed and undyed strips, they can create intricate, colourful patterns.
Normally, they plait away from their body, so that each row is on the far side of the beginning edge. When making large objects like mats, they eventually need to sit on the woven section to reach the working edge.
Raranga today
Today, weavers use raranga to produce lampshades, covers for cigarette packs, baby carrycots, glasses cases, and a host of other items.
Contemporary weaver Donna Campbell uses raranga to weave objects that are both sculptural and wearable. She says: ‘My work celebrates my tūpuna (ancestors) and mana wahine (the prestige of women).’ She explores customary weaving techniques and also likes to include contemporary and found materials.