The art of Māori weaving : the eternal thread /

The publication of this work was initiated by the Maori Weavers Collective of New Zealand, with the arts of finger weaving and plaiting techniques as the focus. The foreword is by late Maori Queen Te Arikinui Dame Te Atairangikaahu, also known as Te Ata, who was an important inspiration for the Maori. The two techniques, whatu, the twining of wefts across warps used to weave items for clothing and fish traps and nets, and raranga, for plaiting mats, sails, and baskets through interlacing left- and right-hand strands of fibers, are discussed. Additional information concerns whiri, which is braiding strands of fiber together for rope and cord. Several different ketes, or baskets, and woven wearable objects are featured in outstanding color images. This publication is replete with information about individual artists such as Heeni Kerekere, and it includes a significant glossary. The Maori process of weaving is discussed in rich and singular detail, and brief biographies of the artists personalize the fine, intricate quality of their work. The information is significant, and offers important insight into the weaving arts of the Maori. ^BSumming Up: Highly recommended. General readers; lower-division undergraduates through faculty. M. Watson University of Oklahoma