Kahu Ora showcases the world's largest collection of Maori cloaks – among the most precious taonga (treasures) to Maori and stunning in their artistry and diversity.

These are living cloaks. They carry powerful stories of their weavers and wearers. They are a continuing link between ancestors and descendants. They reveal great innovation – past and present.

Kahu Ora showcases the world's largest collection of Maori cloaks – among the most precious taonga (treasures) to Maori and stunning in their artistry and diversity.

These are living cloaks. They carry powerful stories of their weavers and wearers. They are a continuing link between ancestors and descendants. They reveal great innovation – past and present.

This art of cloak-making is thriving again today. At the heart of the exhibition is the live Weavers’ Studio, where you can meet and watch expert weavers in action.

The latest research on Maori weaving underpins Kahu Ora. Learn about great weavers of the past and present. Explore moving stories associated with prestigious cloaks and their chiefly owners. Discover the science and technology that underpin their artistry. Meet the researchers who have helped uncover and revive cloak-making practices once thought to be lost.

Highlights include:

• The world’s only remaining cloak stitched from whole dog skins
• A cloak that contains more than 12,000 feathers
• The only cloak with three borders of taniko (geometric patterning) that is known to exist today, on loan from the National Gallery of Australia
• A contemporary art installation by Maureen Lander that celebrates harakeke (New Zealand flax) – the plant at the heart of weaving
• A contemporary possum-skin cloak that brings New Zealanders and Australians together.

Kahu Ora is the result of collaboration with numerous weavers and researchers. We sincerely thank you all for your partnership and guidance.

He mahi na o tatou tupuna, hei pupuri mo a tatou uri whakatupu.
A craft of our ancestors, to keep for coming generations.

Master weaver Diggeress Te Kanawa in Weaving a Kakahu, 1992

8 June 2012 – 21 October 2012
Visa Platinum Gallery, Level 4
Free entry

Media Release: Te Papa