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One thousand years ago the early Maori migrated to Aotearoa/New Zealand from the tropical Polynesian islands. The early Maori had many challenges to face to be able to adapt to the cooler climate and the unfamiliar natural resources in Aotearoa, they had to invent or adapt their old ways in order to survive.
The early Maori were already raranga (plaiting) experts, so after discovering that the length and the strength of the harakeke (New Zealand Flax Bush, Phormium spp. ...
This assignment will investigate the harakeke by identifying and briefly explaining the characteristics and uses of a few types of harakeke identified by Maori tupuna and by Rene Orchiston. Following with an overview why the harakeke was and still important to the Maori people that will then demonstrate the origins of raranga, weaving and the customs used when working with the harakeke. ...
There are sixty known varieties that our Maori tupuna identified the quality and strengths of the known varieties. ...
“Throughout Maori settlement in Aotearoa the native flaxes have been of immense importance, the fibre from the flax leaves was a major source of clothing, cordage, matting and containers. The flax gum and roots used for rongoa (Maori medicine) were known and widely used”.
The importance of the harakeke to the Maori people was that it was the most useful plant in New Zealand. ... The nectar from the flowers was used to sweeten food, which too attracted and fed the birds for Maori to snare.
The whakapapa of the harakeke is too important to Maori people as it starts back to Ranginui (sky father) and Papatuanuku (mother earth) parents of Tanemahuta who is the atua of forest. ...
Sometimes Maori myth and traditions has an obvious rationale. ...
Another old Maori myth is that when Mataora visited the spirit-world he brought back with him to this world two prized possessions a famous cloak and belt, known as Te Rangi-haupapa and Te Ruruku-o-te-rangi and because of this the women of this world used them as pattern garments, which is continued on today to weave garments in a similar manner. ...
The customs used while working with harakeke is widely used among the Maori people:
It is customary to say a karakia to give thanks for the use of the harakeke because it is a taonga and its use is a gift and also applies to the completion of weaving, a time to reflect, and be thankful for the point one has reached.
Approximate Word count = 2009
Approximate Pages = 8
(250 words per page double spaced)
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