Best Elsdon 1898. The Art of the Whare Pora: Notes on the clothing of the ancient Maori, their knowledge of preparing, dyeing and weaving various fibres, together with some account of dress and ornaments, and the ancient ceremonies and superstitions of the Whare Pora. Transactions of the New Zealand Institute 31: 625-658
Notes
Notes
A key reference on flax fibre, weaving and plaiting. Notes on the art of weaving collected from the Tūhoe (Urewera). Describes initiation ceremony into the Whare Pora (the house set aside for teaching the art of weaving). Flax preparation described. Weaving terminology explained.
The various types of garments named and described (cloaks, kilts, capes, maro (aprons), belts and girdles. Also sandals, chaplets, baskets, mats, etc. Patterns named. Plaiting terms.
List of flax varieties, presumably those planted in Urewera district. (Best notes ..."which list, however, is by no means complete, this not being a flax-producing district.") Varieties listed are Oue, Pari-taniwha, Wharariki, Rātāroa, Ngutu-nui, Hūhi, Tūtae-manu, Tāneāwai, Ruatapu. (See under individual names).
Processes described for obtaining black and red dyes. Some plaiting methods named. A note on the knowledge of aute. Rules, traditions, ceremonies pertaining to the art of weaving described.
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The Art of the Whare Pora: Notes on the clothing of the ancient Māori, their knowledge of preparing, dyeing and weaving various fibres, together with some account of dress and ornaments, and the ancient ceremonies and superstitions of the Whare Pora
