Mahi-a-Ringa: Introducing Traditional Material Culture

Description

This course focuses on traditional material culture, including weaving (raranga), cordage (taura), fire making, working with stone to make adzes and tools, hand made musical instruments, bone carving, wood carving, and the use of plants as traditional medicines. Students will learn customary protocols, guardianship and respect for knowledge and taonga (treasures) and undertake practical work, library based research, and work with taonga such as cloaks, nets, personal and other artefacts in the Canterbury Museum. Other topics are included depending on available expertise.