The Kete Collection

Maori Kete, Okains Bay Museum 2008. Ajr
I was trimming my flax bushes last week and I was reminded of the wonderful displays of traditional Maori kete I saw at Okains Bay Maori & Colonial Museum year. Kete is the Maori word for a basket made from the dried leaves of New Zealand flax (Mahi harakeke). They were used for carrying food, belongings and treasures (taonga) and were made in a wide variety of intricate designs, patterns and colours. This is one of the best small rural museums in New Zealand.