Raranga is a form of weaving using a plaiting technique. It is done by hand only, with no loom. The practice of Raranga did not originate in New Zealand. It was brought to Aotearoa New Zealand by the ancestors of Māori – the first Pacific settlers. These settlers used weaving out of necessity as they were not able to grow the plants that were normally used for fabric. This is because the climate in New Zealand was very different to the climate the settlers originated from. Raranga originally had practical uses – being used for items that related to survival … Continue reading Raranga – the art of Māori weaving