Cloak

P3081B

From: New Zealand

Curatorial Section: Oceanian

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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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