Distinguished weavers exhibition
The art of Māori weaving is celebrating its survival in a world first exhibition, Te Puna Waiora: The Distinguished Weavers of Te Kāhui Whiritoi., on now at the Christchurch City Art Gallery.
Te Puna Waiora lets visitors experience the exquisite details of a range of items – cloaks, tukutuku panels, tāniko, kete, footwear, hats, necklaces and more – all made by master weavers. Two years in the making, the exhibition is a partnership between Christchurch Art Gallery Te Puna o Waiwhetū and Te Roopu Raranga
Whatu O Aotearoa, with support from Toi Māori.
“The importance of raranga within te ao Māori cannot be overstated,” says Christchurch Art Gallery curator Nathan Pōhio.
“It provides ways to understand the world. Without this knowledge and technology, many traditional customs and cultural narratives risk falling away.”
Te Kāhui Whiritoi means the gathering of many hands for the purpose of weaving. The group was formalised in 2006 by Te Roopu Raranga Whatu o Aotearoa and Toi Māori Aotearoa.
Te Puna Waiora showcases work by te Kāhui Whiritoi members Cath Brown, Emily Rangitiaria Schuster, Whero o te Rangi Bailey, Te Aue Davis, Matekino Lawless, Eddie Maxwell, Saana Waitai Murray, Riria Smith, Toi Te Rito Maihi, Ranui Ngarimu, Reihana Parata, Connie Pewhairangi-Potae, Madeleine Sophie Tangohau, Mere Walker, Pareaute Nathan, Sonia Snowden and Christina Hurihia Wirihana.
Te Puna Waiora runs until 3 April 2022.
