Revitalizing Traditional Maori Weaving Practices with Te Rā Ringa Raupā

11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Location: Atherthon Halau
Free with Museum Admission

Te Rā Ringa Raupā, a weaving group deeply rooted in the rich cultural tapestry of New Zealand, stands as a beacon of tradition and innovation in the realm of indigenous art. Founded by a collective of dedicated weavers passionate about preserving and revitalizing traditional Māori weaving practices, Te Rā Ringa Raupā is truly invested in inspiring and teaching others to weave sails. Their vision is Māori woven sails on waka on the water for the Waitangi Treaty 200 year celebration in 2040.

The weaving techniques practiced by Te Rā Ringa Raupā encompass a wide array of traditional Māori weaving styles, including raranga (weaving) and the use of muka (fibre extracted from Kōrari/harakeke) to create the many different techniques and skills displayed in Te Rā. Their presentation will provide an overview of these different techniques and skills.

Join us on Saturday, June 22 from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in Bishop Museum’s Atherton Halau for a presentation by representatives of Te Rā Ringa Raupā as they share their story and provide an overview of the different techniques and skills they revitalized and practice.

About Te Rā Ringa Raupā
The origins of Te Rā Ringa Raupā trace back to a wero/challenge laid down by Te Rangihīroa over one hundred years ago. The Te Rā Ringa Raupā weavers recognized the importance of reclaiming their ancestral sail weaving techniques which had been lost. United by a common goal to honour their cultural heritage and retrieve skills from their tupuna/ancestors, they began their quest to recreate Te Rā, the only known Māori woven sail of its era – 200 to 300 years old. At the heart of Te Rā Ringa Raupā’s ethos lies a deep reverence for the art of weaving, a practice deeply intertwined with Māori identity and spirituality. Through their intricate creations, the members of the group pay homage to their ancestors, drawing inspiration from the natural world, ancestral stories, and spiritual beliefs embedded within Māori cosmology.

Te Rā Ringa Raupā stands as a testament to the enduring power of indigenous artistry, weaving together the threads of tradition, innovation, and community to create connections that honour the past while embracing the future. Te Rā Ringa Raupā serves not only as a platform for artistic expression but also as a vital cultural institution within the Māori community. Through workshops, exhibitions, and community outreach programmes, the group actively engages with both Māori and non-Māori audiences, fostering cross-cultural understanding and appreciation for indigenous art forms. The impact of Te Rā Ringa Raupā extends far beyond the confines of their weaving studios, resonating deeply within the Māori community and beyond. Their work has been showcased in galleries and museums both domestically and internationally, shining a spotlight on the richness and diversity of Māori weaving traditions. As custodians of cultural heritage and agents of cultural revival, the members of Te Rā Ringa Raupā are dedicated to passing on their knowledge and skills to future generations. In doing so, they ensure that the flame of Māori weaving continues to burn brightly, illuminating the path for future weavers to follow in their footsteps.