Para Nui Te Ra- 'The great cliffs in the homeland of South America'

Completely handwoven using the Whaka araara method of weaving in the feathers. Materials used are jute string and cotton, and wool for the taniko pattern. Adorned with Pea fowl- Peacock hen feathers and black hukahuka string. The Tãniko pattern is called Para Nui Te Ra.

Note- The photos do not do this piece any justice, private viewings can be arranged. It measures 980mm x 1500mm, and has neck/shoulder ties and is shaped properly using correct methods to fit the wearer correctly.

The taniko pattern is from the mid 1800's, seen in a private collection in Europe and brought back to New Zealand by memory of my father. It was given its name by Dame Rangimarie Hetet.

This Taonga was woven by my father- Garry J Grace of Te Awamutu. An accomplished weaver of 40+ years, and has woven over 40 feather cloaks in his time. His iwi is Ngati Mahuta and Ngati Pou. His Great Great Grandmother was Mere Tupara, first daughter of 'Te Potatau Te Wherowhero' - the first Maori King.

He was taught by master weavers - Rauwha Tamaiparea of Parihaka, and Dame Rangimarie Hetet of King Country. Very few people alive had the knowledge that these two teachers of this great craft had to share, it was rare for a male to learn these teachings, even rarer for a pakeha male.

Many of his cloaks have found their way into private art collections in New Zealand, and in Europe/ around the world. Many again selling for over ten thousand and upwards.

This is a special piece, intended to be worn by anyone at any ceremony, or special event etc, all traditional maori tikanga protocals have been followed in the crafting of this Taonga.