An example of a Maori purse (kete muka) made from processed flax fibre. They are still produced today but are mainly used as wall hangings. If purses are frequently used they will quickly wear so they are used only on special occasions. This purse typically was made using a finger weaving technique called whatu as opposed to raranga or plaited weaving.

Object Summary

Museum Number 16/1996/103
Simple Name accessory
Full Name purse
Collection Country New Zealand
Common Name purse
Production country New Zealand
Material flax (Phormium tenax); wool
Collection class Clothing and accessories
Collection continent Oceania
Collection area/region Australia and New Zealand
Production continent Oceania
Production year high 1996
Cultural group Maori
Function name container