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Piupiu, Harakeke, Flax skirt

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Te Hikoi Museum

A piupiu (skirt or waist garment) made from harakeke with dyed black horizontal stripes in two sections. There is a braided muka waistband from which two long ties extend which were used to secure the piupiu to the waist. It is made of harakeke (New Zealand flax), with mangu (black dyed) horizontal stripes. The word 'piupiu' also means 'to swing'. Harakeke was, and is, most commonly used for making clothing, kete (baskets) and mats. Muka (fibres extracted from the harakeke leaves) was worked and plaited or woven to make fishing nets, footwear, cords and ropes. This piupiu and its accompanying bodice belonged to Mrs Harriet Violet Te Au Belsham (1889-1968) and was loaned by her in 1960. This piupiu was worn, presumably by Mrs Belsham, at the 1937-1938 centennial celebration.

Ngā whakamārama -
Details

  • Title

    Piupiu, Harakeke, Flax skirt

  • Maker

    Unknown Kairaranga (Weaver)

  • Date made

    Pre 1956

  • Subject

    Māori, Clothing and Accessories, Taoka/Taonga, Taoka/taonga

  • Additional information

    organic, vegetal, fibre, harakeke (New Zealand flax), l 670 mm x w 900 mm waistband (including ties): 2238 mm Measurements taken during 2014 workshop: l 750 mm

  • Rights

    Attribution - Non-commercial (cc)
    http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/

  • View source record for this item

    https://ehive.com/collections/3278/objects/1472775

Kei hea tēnei taonga? -
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Te Hikoi Museum

Whare taonga | Organisation

Te Hikoi Museum

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  • Text adapted with permission from Te Papa and Digital NZ

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