Cape Item Number: C1006 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Description
Large woven cloak, or cape, with a wide, curved lower border. The natural-coloured textile has a narrow band across the upper edge with a chevron motif in blue, white and red. Sewn onto the sides are bands with line motifs in light and dark brown. The border along the bottom edge has a large zigzag and diamond motif in brown, red and green.
History Of Use
Kaitaka are cloaks of finely woven harakeke (Phormium tenax) fibre and are among the more prestigious forms of traditional Maori dress. They are made from flax fibre, which is in turn made from those varieties of Phormium tenax that yield the finest quality fibre characterised by a silk-like texture and rich golden sheen. Kaitaka are usually adorned with broad tāniko borders (geometric finger weaving) at the remu (bottom) and narrow tāniko bands along the kauko (sides). The kaupapa (main body) is usually unadorned. [Wikipedia: Te Roopu Raranga Whatu o Aotearoa]
Item History
- Made in Lake Rotorua, New Zealand before 1883
- Collected during 1883
- Owned by Richmond B. Halhed and Mrs. Richmond B. Halhed
- Owned by Mrs. W. C. Cryer before September 16, 1952
- Received from Mrs. W. C. Cryer (Donor) on September 16, 1952
What
- Name
- Cape
- Identification Number
- C1006
- Type of Item
- cape
- Material
- wool fibre, dye and new zealand flax fibre
- Manufacturing Technique
- woven, sewn and braided
- Overall
- height 106.0 cm, width 147.0 cm
Who
- Culture
- Maori
- Previous Owner
- Richmond B. Halhed, Mrs. Richmond B. Halhed and Mrs. W. C. Cryer
- Received from
- Mrs. W. C. Cryer (Donor)
Where
- Holding Institution
- MOA: University of British Columbia
- Made in
- Lake Rotorua, New Zealand
When
- Creation Date
- before 1883
- Collection Date
- during 1883
- Ownership Date
- before September 16, 1952
- Acquisition Date
- on September 16, 1952
Other
- Item Classes
- textiles
- Condition
- fair
- Accession Number
- 2268/0002