Feathers: with the moari's

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Maori Cloaks and Traditions.

When the Maori ancestors arrived in New Zealand from the eastern pacific nearly 900 years ago, they brought with them there weaving skills and techniques. Usually using the Raranga plaiting technique for baskets and mats they used it to make warmer clothes as the weather was a lot colder. They Experimented with materials like feathers and animal skins. 

When the Europeans arrived in the 1800's they experimented with the materials they brought with them like wool and exotic feathers and thats how they have come to look like they do. 

Maori Shamanism and the cloak. 

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Modern Art 

My mum found an artist online called Verenoa Hetet, who has transformed the classic Moari cloak into contemporary art. She did this so that the traditions of her people can reach a wider demographic, so that the traditions of her ancestors wouldn't be lost in history. A lot of Maori people are starting to bring the tradition back as it was lost for a long time. She used the classic materials her ancestors would use like feathers and shells. 

These pieces are a modern representation and each one holds a message. I love the contemporary interpretation and the materials she had used. She has turned them into art and shared a sacred part of her history with her followers. I think that they are beautiful. The way the colours and natural patterns of the materials used blend together and work together, reminds me how nature works together.