Poi Piu - Black & Natural | by Shona Tawhiao

These beautiful Poi Piu have been handwoven from Harakeke  and Muka ( fibre extracted from harakeke) layered pokinikini (harakeke which is dried, and naturally rolled into tubes), and finished with braided black silk cord by Shona Tawhiao - Ngāi Te Rangi. 
Poi Piu are a percussion instrument used to create a healing sound similar to that of the Piupiu harakeke (waist-to-knees garment).

Harakeke is native to Aotearoa/New Zealand and is arguably the most important fibre plant. Harakeke is often referred to as New Zealand flax, however, botanically harakeke is not a flax, but a member of the day-lilly family. The name flax comes from the fact that the long fibre extracted from the leaves are used in much the same way as those in linen flax are used in the northern hemisphere.
Due to its strength and multiple uses, harakeke was a valuable resource to be traded with colonial Europeans.

Artist, designer and weaver Shona Tāwhiao, has exhibited her distinct style of raranga (woven work) for over 25 years. Having trained in traditional Māori raranga weaving techniques and methods by Kahutoi Te Kanawa, Shona’s talent has been described as exquisite and undeniably unique. Shona continues to create a range of sculptural works and adornment pieces but the fusing of her love of fashion and culture with her specialised techniques in weaving has enabled Shona to create Haute Couture from harakeke. This has resulted in her unique style being dubbed “Harakeke Couture”. Shona’s multi award-winning collections of Harakeke Couture have been presented at New Zealand, London, Malaysia, Fiji, Hong Kong and Melbourne Fashion Weeks since 2010.

Made in New Zealand