Te kai ni wairau

Description:

Te kai ni wairau. Thatching awl. This kai ni wairau is used to make ato (pieces of thatch) forming the roof of dwellings. Ato are sourced from prepared te baa (coconut leaves) or baan ni kaina (pandanus leaves) that are soaked for up to three days then layered thickly together. When attached carefully these become water tight and are able to protect a dwelling for several years. The kai ni wairau is used to pierce the leaves which are then sec...

Display date:

Made: Pre 1936; Acquired: Circa 1936

Location:

Gilbert Islands

Collections:

Auckland Museum Collections Online

Content partner:

Auckland War Memorial Museum Tāmaki Paenga Hira

Availability:

Not specified