Muka is prepared fibre ofNew Zealand flax (Māori:harakeke).[1] Prepared primarily by scraping, pounding and washing, it is a key material inMāori traditional textiles where it is usually used intāniko or twined weaving. Some varieties produce different grades or quality of muka that result in characteristics such as strength, whiteness or shine.[2]
In pre-European times, muka was widely used by theMāori and was the primary fibre used for weaving clothing.Patu muka or pounding stones were a distinct tool type.[3]
In the early colonial period, muka was a trade staple, often being traded for muskets with devastating effects.[4] Well into the European era it was used for paper, clothing and sacking, with large commercial workings inFoxton and elsewhere.[5]
Since theMāori renaissance the resurgence in traditionalMāori weaving has seen up-swing in the use of muka, especially for art and high-end craft items. Usually woven muka is distinguished from woven (unprepared) flax which is only suitable for coarse work such as bags (kete) and panels.
(noun) prepared flax fibre. He harakeke iraira, he mumura te kākāriki o ngā whā, he kōwhai ngā tāekaeka, he karaka ngā tapa me te tuaka, he mā, he mōhinuhinu te muka o tēnei harakeke (PK 2008:603). A variegated flax, with bright green leaves, yellow stripes, orange edges and midrib, while the fiber of this flax is white and shiny.
The Māori producers were not paid in cash but in goods – usually muskets. The trade therefore had a lasting impact on Māori society. With firearms, conflicts between tribes turned into full-scale wars. Tribes competed for control of the flax trade and thus the supply of muskets.