Bag

P3224B

From: New Zealand

Curatorial Section: Oceanian

View All (3) Object Images

Native Name Kete Whakairo
Object Number P3224B
Current Location Collections Storage
Culture Maori
Provenience New Zealand
Period Te Huringa I Period
Date Made 1800 - 1900 CE
Section Oceanian
Materials Plant Fiber | New Zealand Flax
Description

A kete whakairo (patterned bag) made of woven kiekie (Freycinetia banksii). The bag consists of alternating strips of dyed and undyed kiekie woven in a poutama pattern (stepped stairway pattern). The sides of the bag and under the opening are damaged. There is a muka (processed New Zealand flax) cord closure at the opening.

Kete were used for carrying personal belongings, gifts, or for personal adornment. Kete whakairo were generally woven by skilled weavers expecting their first child and were considered some of the finest basketry.

Height 24.5 cm
Width 35.5 cm
Credit Line Purchased from W. O. Oldman, 1912
Other Number 22953 - Dealer's Number

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