Author: Awhina Tamarapa (editor).
Publication Date: October 2011.
Order online from Te Papa Store
This sumptuous book opens Te Papa’s storeroom doors to reveal its magnificent collection of kakahu (cloaks), and the art and traditions of weaving.
With contributions from six expert authors, the book shows how weaving is steeped in the fundamental spiritual values of Māori. The first Māori settlers adapted their established weaving traditions to incorporate materials they encountered in their new home. Alongside practical items, they wove exceptional cloaks that bestowed great mana on wearer and weaver.
The book focuses on forty precious and seldom-seen cloaks from Te Papa, and is packed with all-new photographs, diagrams, and insights from master weavers.
Contributors
Margery Blackman, Dr Maureen Lander, Dr Patricia Te Arapo Wallace, Toi Te Rito Maihi, Kahutoi Te Kanawa and John Turi-Tiakitai
Reviews
Here’s a review of the book and the exhibiton on the Stuff website, plus 
an article in Mana magazine.
2012 New Zealand Post Book Awards
Whatu Kākahu: Māori Cloaks is a finalist in the illustrated non-fiction section of the 2012 New Zealand Post Book Awards. These awards celebrate excellence, identifying the very best books written by New Zealanders.
Listen to an interview with the author
Author Awhina Tamarapa was interviewed on Upbeat, on Radio New Zealand Concert FM
View sample pages from the book
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Whatu Kākahu excerpt (pdf, 1.5MB)
NZ RRP (incl. GST): $84.99
ISBN: 978-1-877385-56-8
Extent: 208pp
Format: Jacketed hardback, 290 x 237 mm portrai
Illustrations: 300 colour images 9ncluding 60 line diagrams