Kete

Kete. Bag. Quadrangular box shape. Overhanging inner rim all around. Created from two layers of woven fibre; a sturdy inner layer woven with flat wide strips of pandanus in straight check giving structure to the basket, and an overlaid layer of finely woven kaka'o (Fernland Reed, Miscanthus floridulus) in decorative patterning. Commencement from base. Single tatai (handle) arches over the body of the kete made from flat rauara (pandanus leaf) strips with overlaid dyed-red apuraka (stalk of the giant swamp taro) and natural patterning of continous zig zag motif across its length. Both ends of the tatai (handle) are inserted in between the two layers of weaving possibly attached by hand sewing. Overall colour of the kete is dyed-red and natural. Patterning around the outside of the bag involves repeated motif of a lozenge shape bordered with checker work and chevrons in red and natural overlaid strips. Good condition. "18712.2 MANIHIKI 557/32" in black ink on outside base of the kete.