Kia ora e te whānau,
Our ākonga in Room 1 could be excused for wondering what happens during a whatu weaving session that takes place in their classroom on Mondays but one afternoon this week, Board Chair and Tawhai whānau, Jaydy Marsh popped in to enlighten them about what the weaving group is aiming to do, which is to craft several youth kākahu (cloaks).
A traditional kākahu (cloak) is crafted with symbolism to tell a story that represents cultural pride, honour, and identity.
The type of kākahu that the group are crafting is a kahu huruhuru where feathers are the main feature. They are using traditional whatu (weaving) methods alongside modern materials to make taonga for Tawhai School.
Jaydy told the ākonga that it takes around 2000 feathers joined in pairs to make a youth kākahu.
She asked Room 1 if they would like to involved in the crafting by enlisting their help in making some feather bundles!
Using a bit of weaving soap the tamariki were shown how to make these bundles. See photos below!
The finished ones will be weaved in around the edges of the kahu.
Thank you Jaydy for sharing this with Ruma tahe!
The story behind this kākahu
The feather colours have been chosen to represent our blending with the community and the enviroment.
The final tie will be a four-prong braid to represent our school values wrapped around the wearer.
The tāniko pattern has been designed by students with colours they have chosen.
The Tāniko
- The tāniko starts with a Koru to symbolise new beginnings when our students start their journey at Tawhai School.
- The Central part is a Niho Taniwha to represent whakapapa, strength, stability, and identity.
- Running through the middle is a Patikitiki to represent fuel for the brain, mind, imagination, and dreams. There are four main diamonds to represent the four cornerstones of wellbeing.
- Wrapping around the top and bottom is Poutama to symbolise the pursuit of knowledge. The steps go all the way to the Niho Taniwha.
- The tāniko finishes with a Koru to symbolise the advancement to the next stage in their life.
- When the kākahu is worn, the two Koru meet to form a Mangōpare. The symbol of leadership, courage, strength, and tenacity.
Here are some photos of Ruma tahe hearing Jaydy talk about the Kākahu and making the feather bundles!
