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Fine and early kaitaka p'p'roa (Maori cloak). Kaitaka is the…
Auction House:
Auction Location:
Auckland
Date:
28-Mar-2012
Lot No.
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Description:
Fine and early kaitaka p'p'roa (Maori cloak). Kaitaka is the name given to the prestigious cloaks that were recorded and collected by early European explorers. They were woven using unbeaten New Zealand flax. thus the flax was allowed to retain its shining quality.The muka selected from the harakeke plants was prepared with the greatest of care and attention to ritual. The complexity and elegance of the taniko borders are unsurpassed by any other Maori cloak forms. Featuring vertical aho this rare form of chiefly cloak is created from one side to the other and then turned when it is worn. te that the aho appears as vertical as opposed to horizontal.There are areas of V shaping (aho poka - short weft) at shoulder and waist level. The taniko is in brown-black and undyed muka. The vertical borders show complex triangular motifs and interchanging parallel borders of light and dark brown. Brightly dyed wool has been added later in the kauko (side) vertical taniko. The remu (bottom) taniko border is extremely fine and complex reflecting the work of a master craftswoman. This form of kaitaka became obsolete around 1840 as ather cloak style kwn as korowai grew in popularity and replaced it. The overall condition of this rare example is excellent. some conservation work is apparent. a full condition report is available on request. Length 175 cm. Width 137 cm.
Estimate:
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Price:
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Category:
Tribal: New Zealand Maori