Natura Aura Weaving - How to Make a Piupiu Book by Leilani Rickard

This highly illustrated book gives a step-by-step guide on how to make your own piupiu, the traditional Māori flax skirt. Experienced Rotorua weaver Leilani Rickard covers everything you need to know - from customary uses of harakeke or flax, to the simple tools you will need to finish the garment.

Colour photographs record every phase of the weaving process; from selecting the right harakeke frond to cutting and preparing it; to dyeing the harakeke through to binding and strengthening the waistband; pattern making; storage of the finished garment and more. The craft advice is accompanied by a gallery of weaving creations in both traditional and modern styles.

A piupiu is a skirt-like woven garment made of harakeke strands that hang from a whatu belt. The way the piupiu sways is mesmerizing and is primarily use for ceremonial adornment and kapa haka performances.

Piupiu is a taonga that can be passed down through generation to generation and can be worn or hung as a wall art display.