Sonia Snowden

Sonia is a highly-respected weaver from Otaki.

Tribal Affiliations: Ngati Whatua; Nga Puhi

Sonia is a senior weaver who learned her craft from some of Aotearoa's finest weavers including Ramari Ropata, Emily Schuster, Erenora Puketapu Hetet, Aromea Tahiwi and Nellie Frost. She is well known for her intricate kete (woven baskets) and whariki (woven mats). She uses material such as harakeke (flax) and kinikini (piu piu or flax skirt strands).

Having spent many years as a tutor at Te Whare Wananga o Raukawa, Sonia now spends her time returning traditional knowledge to Mäori communities in the lower North Island of New Zealand. In 2004 she was awarded a grant to teach weaving at two marae. Sonia enjoys sharing the customary techniques of weaving whariki.

Sonia Snowden is a licensed user of the toi iho TM , the trademark and authenticity and quality for Maori arts.

Links

Sonia 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.

Sonia Snowden Artist Profile on the toi iho™ website.