Tāniko (ortaaniko) is atraditional weaving technique of theMāori of New Zealand related to "twining".[1] It may also refer to the resulting bands of weaving, or to the traditional designs.
The tāniko technique does not require a loom, although one can be used. Traditionally free hanging warps were suspended between two weaving pegs and the process involved twining downward. The traditional weaving material ismuka, fibre prepared fromharakeke (Phormium tenax) by scraping, pounding and washing. The muka fibre was dyed usingnatural dyes.
There has been a resurgence of tāniko and otherMāori cultural practices starting in the 1950s and as part of the broaderMāori Renaissance. This has led to tāniko practitionersDiggeress Te Kanawa and her motherDame Rangimārie Hetet receiving honorary doctorates from theUniversity of Waikato.
The award-winning designer, Adrienne Whitewood (Rongowhaakata), demonstrates a new wave of Māori designers connecting customary designs and techniques with modern designs. Her work Tāniko was the Supreme Award Winner of the Cult Couture Fashion Awards in 2012.[2]
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