This exhibition showcases the work of renowned weaver and one of our living treasures Matekino Lawless QSM (Tainui), who celebrated her 90th birthday in February 2018. The Rotoiti based weaver has spent much of her career assisting with the retention and continuation of raranga traditions.
Whatu Manawa features a combination of Matekino’s signature works, chosen from a comprehensive collection of kākahu, whāriki and kete created between the 1980’s and today. Exploring a range of raranga and raranga whatu, the exhibition illustrates Matekino’s dedication to her craft with specific forms such as tarapouahi, pūrea (kākahu), kete whakairo, kete tauira and kete pīngao and materials such as harakeke, pīngao, kiekie and natural dyes such as paru.
Matekino Lawless, Pūrea (detail). Photo: Anne Shirley.