Matekino Lawless
"I enjoy sharing my knowledge with those who are keen to receive it. I hope to lead by example, which I have continued to do for many years."
Matekino Lawless is a weaver, and her tribal affiliation is to Ngati Raukawa.
Matekino Lawless is an acclaimed master weaver to her people of Tainui and to the many with whom she has shared her knowledge.
She uses traditional techniques and processes to create finely crafted weaving and whatu (plaiting) in her beautiful examples of whariki (woven mats), kete (woven baskets) and kakahu (cloaks). Her work is held in museums, private collections and marae throughout Aotearoa New Zealand, and internationally.
As a weaver, Matekino pays tribute to her kuia (grandmother) who nurtured her in the early years of her childhood. Matekino recalls the humble kauta (kitchen) which was beautifully lined with whariki (woven mats).
Matekino says that she could not have achieved as much in her life "without the daily handling of harakeke (flax) to create something beautiful."
Matekino is of a generation that still recalls the lifestyle and ways of their tupuna (ancestors), and brings this knowledge alive by sharing it with a younger generation of weavers.
"He kakano i ruia mai i a Rangiatea. The seed sown by Rangiatea, God of Knowledge."
Matekino Lawless is a licensed user of toi iho™ - a registered trade mark used to promote and sell authentic, quality Maori arts and crafts.
Links
Matekino is an exhibiting artist in 'Toi Maori: The Eternal Thread' exhibition at the Burke Museum in Seattle, Washington, USA.
Read more about 'Toi Maori: The Eternal Thread' international touring exhibition of Maori weaving.
Matekino Lawless is a Toi Iho registered artist