155mm L x 90mm W x 50mm H

Woven using the takitahi pattern (one over, one under)

After arriving in New Zealand from Switzerland and being introduced to Maori culture and art Maria McLean was fascinated by flax weaving. She learnt the basic weaving technique from her teacher Richard Kereopa. She then studied for two years under Melata Bennett at Te Wananga o Aotearoa Rotorua. Her skills further developed while studying at Te Puia, the National Weaving School - Te Rito.

While learning the technique of weaving, Maria was drawn to the warmth of the Maori culture and throughout my visit the appreciation and respect for this was always present. Her knowledge of traditional māori tikanga (protocol) was vast and it was a real pleasure to see a visitor to our country embrace it with such authenticity.