Object Number | P3081B |
Current Location | Collections Storage |
Culture | Maori |
Provenience | New Zealand |
Date Made | 19th century |
Section | Oceanian |
Materials | New Zealand Flax | Feather |
Technique | Twined |
Description | Feather cloak. Foundation of New Zealand flax, to which are attached small bundles of brown kiwi and red parrot feathers. Decorative borders (taaniko) of twined black, brown and natural flax along bottom and two sides. Short fringes of twisted flax at top corners. Two twisted ties for securing when worn. A highly valued garment. Purchased at auction from J. C. Stevens, London, on April 16, 1912. The catalogue description reads as follows: "Kahu Kiwi Robe, 52 in. X 41 in., finely-dressed flax, covered with Kiwi feathers, bordered on four sides with red feathers of the Kaka, and on three sides with the highly-prized ornamental Taniko work. Taniko was always made for robes by a special craftsman. Those skilled in its make were regarded as of great repute. Robe in perfect condition." |
Length | 105.5 cm |
Width | 132 cm |
Credit Line | Purchased from the J. C. Stevens Auction Rooms, 1912 |
Other Number | 56A - Dealer's Number |
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