Exhibitions

Te Rā: Navigating Home

Woven from harakeke likely over 200 years ago, Te Rā is the only known customary Māori sail in existence. This November we're welcoming Te Rā to Auckland Museum and two younger sibling sails made recently by Te Rā Ringa Raupā.

Te Rā: Navigating Home

Te Rā: Navigating Home

OPENS SAT 18 NOV
TE MARAE Ā​TEA MĀORI COURT
AND TE TAUNGA COMMUNITY HUB
FREE WITH MUSEUM ENTRY

At nearly four and a half metres long, Te Rā brings a wealth of historical and cultural significance to the Museum's most beloved gallery. 

Held in the collection of the British Museum, this is the first time Te Rā has returned to Aotearoa in its more than 200 year history, and is a special opportunity for New Zealanders to see the sail first-hand. 

Te Karanga o Te Rā

Te Karanga o Te Rā

Te Rā will be accompanied by the display of two additional sails produced by Te Rā Ringa Raupā, a group of highly skilled weavers mentored by weaver, installation artist and researcher, Dr Maureen Lander. 

Through a process of research, knowledge sharing and hands-on experimentation, the group has completed two sibling sails of Te Rā. Hine Mārama is a small-scale model that shows the meticulous thought process, innovative techniques and challenges encountered in the pursuit of recreating Te Rā; and Māhere Tū ki te Rangi, a stunning full-sized recreation of Te Rā borne of the collective skill and effort of the group.  

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A partnership project between Christchurch Art Gallery Te Puna o Waiwhetū and Tāmaki Paenga Hira Auckland War Memorial Museum.

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Images:

  1. Makers unknown Te Rā [the sail] (detail) c. 1770–1800. Harakeke, kererū, kāhu and kākā feathers, dog skin. On loan from the Trustees of the British Museum. © Whakaarahia anō te rā kaihau Te Rā Project. Photo: Cultural Heritage Imaging
  2. Image for Te Karanga o Te Rā section: Te Rā Ringa Raupā, Māhere Tū ki te Rangi