Raranga at Te Manawa

This is what the rito  of the  pu  harakeke looks like.  Its the 3 leaves in the middle, the growing area.

Here are some harakeke leaves tied up in bundle ready to be carried inside.  If only tied once- in the middle- they fall out all over the place.  Make sure to tie twice or three times to carry.

All the leaves are in the same direction.  All the "take" cut part of the leaf are at one end.  See the pu harakeke in the top left of the photo showing a cut down to the rito.

This little cutie's Mum made this putiputi flower.

And with a bit of concentration and effort, this young lady made herself a flower.

with her friend.  

Here are some finished putiputi or flowers.  They will dry like straw colored and last for ages, to make pretty flower arrangements.

This lady from California explained Indian styles of weaving.  There are weaving traditions from pretty much every culture of the world.  I love weaving. 

You have to give the first one away and make a second one.  This helps you to learn, and hold the knowledge.  It makes your brain retain it.

And look at this beautiful style of tip are (headband).  Love it.

Ngawww!

There's something up with this harakeke.  A brown spotty disease.  I'm going to cut it right back and then keep an eye on it.  

This is how you cut harakeke.  On a downward outward angle, away from the rito.  This is so the rain will drain away from the rito and not rot it.  Traditionally sharpened mussel shells would have been used.  I can do it like that, but these days its WAY easier to use a stanley knife.