Early Kaitaka Paepaeroa Cloak: Unbeaten Flax, Masterful Taniko

Early Kaitaka Paepaeroa cloak. Kaitaka is the name given to the prestigious cloaks that were recorded and collected by early European explorers. They were woven using unbeaten New Zealand flax; thus, the flax was allowed to retain its shining quality. The muka selected from the harakeke plants was prepared with the greatest of care and attention to ritual. The complexity and elegance of the taniko borders are unsurpassed by any other Maori cloak forms. Featuring vertical aho, this rare form of chiefly cloak is created from one side to the other and then turned when it is worn. Note that the aho appears as vertical as opposed to horizontal. There are areas of 'V' shaping (aho poka short weft) at shoulder and waist level. The taniko is in brownblack and undyed muka. The vertical borders show complex triangular motifs and interchanging parallel borders of light and dark brown. Brightly dyed wool has been added later in the kauko (side) vertical taniko. The remu (bottom) taniko border is extremely fine and complex reflecting the work of a master craftswoman. This form of kaitaka became obsolete around 1840 as another cloak style known as korowai grew in popularity and replaced it. Overall condition of this rare example is excellent; some conservation work is apparent. A full condition report is available on request. Length 68.90 in. Width 53.94 in. Believed to have been collected by Sir Joseph Banks, 1st Baronet, UK (1743-1820). Reputedly in the collection of the Lieutenant-General Augustus Henry Lane Fox Pitt Rivers (1827-1900). Reputedly in the collection of Captain A W F Fuller, UK (1882-1961). Purchased at Philips, London, circa 1982-1985. Collection of Paul Hughes, London. Private Collection, New Zealand