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Māori Weaving

Techniques

A Quick Guide 

  © 2017 Hetet School of Māori Art 

MĀORI WEAVING

TECHNIQUES

There are several traditional weaving techniques

that are used in Māori Weaving.

A basketry technique used to weave kete –

carrying baskets and whaariki – floor mats.

RARANGA

 © 2017Hetet School of Māori Art  - All Rights Reserved

 © 2017Hetet School of Māori Art  - All Rights Reserved

A technique akin to twining used to weave the

borders of kākahu – traditional garments such as

feathered cloaks. Different coloured threads are

carried along and brought forward in the weave

to create patterns.

TAANIKO

The technique used to weave kākahu – like hieke

(rain capes) and cloaks. Fine threads called 'aho'

are used to weave the whenu or warp threads

together to create the fabric.

The fine lines resemble stitches made by a

machine, although they are painstakingly woven

by hand.

Click here to read more about Kākahu such as

korowai in our Knowledge Basket

WHATU

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Tukutuku is the technique used in the weaving of

wall panels for wharenui – traditional meeting

houses.

The panels are ceated by weavers, one at the

front and one at the back of the panel, threading

different coloured fibre through to create the

design.

TUKUTUKU

 © 2017Hetet School of Māori Art  - All Rights Reserved

Whiri is another technique that is used in different

forms of ‘plaiting’ with 3, 4, 6, 8, 10 or more whenu

(weaving strips) which are woven together.

The whiri technique is used to make handles for

kete, poi, as well as rope and other items.

WHIRI

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Learn to Whiri in our Raranga Online Course

Click here for details

For Online Lessons

in Traditional Maori Weaving Techniques

Visit hetetschoolofmaoriart.com

There are also variations of weaving techniques

used to weave fishing implements such as

kupenga (nets) and taruke (eel pots) or hinaki

(crayfish pots).

OTHER

 © 2017Hetet School of Māori Art  - All Rights Reserved