Whakarite kai

Kete Muka (Wall Pocket) woven from natural muka (flax fibre). Woven using whatu aho rua (two-pair weft-twining). The kaupapa (body) of this kete is decorated with mawhitiwhiti (woven cross stitch) patterns, whenu (strands) have also been left loose in order to give a ruffled decorative effect. Muka thread has also been looped through ara (wefts) in order to create twirled frills along six wefts. Frill work woven edge. Two muka cords made via miro (rolling) technique adorn each side of the pocket opening, both have tassels attached.

Mostly complete slate knife, large chip in blade missing. Cutting edge is blunt with a slight bevel present on both sides. Surface is ground on both sides with some bruising present on one side. Slight usewear at one end of blade, haft is sawn flat.

Broken sinker with faint transverse lashing groove.

Complete sinker with faint transverse lashing groove, previously repaired.

Broken sinker with shallow transverse lashing groove.

Complete tatā (canoe bailer). Oval in outline and shallow. Finely carved and worn through use to a fine polish. The bailer was possibly made with stone tools. It is made from the wood of totara (Podocarpus totara) cut at an angle to the grain from a large diameter trunk. Carved proximal end features double tongue with a double manaia forming mouth. A classic Kai Tahu pakura design is featured on the lips and nose. Handle also adorned with head. The distal end of the bailer is chipped. Repair visible on back. There is a groove down the centre back.

Broken patu aruhe (fern root beater), distal end broken and jagged. The surface of the beater is covered with deep cracks, there is a large fragment missing from one side near the shoulder. Cross-section of beater and handle are circular.

Complete sinker with deep transverse lashing groove and red ochre remnants covering most of surface.

complete sinker with deep transverse lashing groove

Large wooden kumete in the form of a kuri (Polynesian dog). Mid brown in colour. The four legs of the kuri serve as a pedestal on which the bowl rests. The head and tail project out on two sides to serve as handles. Most of the exterior surface is carved in a rauponga (ridge and triangular notch) and rauru (double spiral) pattern. The eyes have paua shell inlays. The interior of the bowl is oval shaped and undecorated, with adze marks visible.

Complete sinker with faint transverse lashing groove.

Broken slate knife. All edges are broken. Both surfaces are ground. Flake scars on one surface.