Maori Art - Weaving

When I would ask you what Maori art is, then I wouldn't be in the least surprised if the first thing that comes to your mind are intricate wood carvings and elaborate tattoos.

Even though most of the Maori art consists of those forms of creativity, what many may not know is that the Maori people are extraordinary weavers as well.

For lack of the written word, both wood carving and weaving were means to tell and preserve stories and legends for posterity and some works of art are several hundred years old.

Weaving and plaiting was initially brought to the Maori people by the Polynesians. The Maori quickly put their own spin to the techniques and used what was at hand the most: flax.

Over time, they learned which one of the 50 different varieties of flax which grows in New Zealand would lend itself best for the project at hand. Even nowadays, baskets, floor mats, skirts, cloaks, and more are still artfully crafted from flax.

Their weaving techniques didn't stop there though and they applied it to make very creative craft and hobby projects.

They sure turned it into a fine art and you can reap the benefits of that. If you are interested in trying the Maori weaving, you will be able to find all kinds of Maori weaving patters including tutorials online for free.

In case you like to make this your hobby, you might be interested in purchasing hobby books on Maori weaving. Those are readily available and will keep you pleasantly busy for hours on end!