Pru Robbie
Weaver, Artist in Muka, Textile Conservation Technician
Pru completed a Maunga Kura Toi Bachelor of Maori Art in Weaving with Te Wananga o Aotearoa in 2016. Completion of the degree required the design and completion of a significant artwork, for which Pru wove a kakahu (cloak) using her pony’s mane hair as attachments. This kakahu is called Kahu Pōni and was purchased by Te Manawa, Palmerston North City’s Art Gallery and Museum.
Since then, other major works in Muka have included a piupiu rapaki as a gift for a Marae, and a series of sculptural works which apply traditional Maori materials and methods back onto European dressmaking forms. The third of these is the Dress of Matariki, a wearable garment.
Pru enjoys making kete, and sells her work at Pātaka, Porirua City’s Art Gallery and Museum, and the Sarjeant Gallery in Whanganui. Kete can also be made on request; please contact Pru through the website.
Textile conservation projects have included repairs to an historic sewing kit and the conservation of a leopard skin.
The Dress of Matariki
The Dress of Matariki is adorned with the stars of Matariki’s daughters and the stones of her tupuna. It is woven in Muka, and stitched onto a pure cotton lining. It is able to be worn and would fit a size 12. The dress features embroidery threads and lapis lazuli beads, and the back of the bodice is fastened by lacing a long braid of embroidery threads around large buttons.
The dress has been exhibited at Te Manawa o te Whaariki, the exhibition of Te Roopu Raranga Whatu o Aotearoa (the National Weavers Collective) at Waikato Museum from 6 July to 1 September 2019, and at the Raukura Weavers Collective exhibition at Bowen House, NZ Parliament in Wellington, from 13 October to 12 November 2020.
The Dress of Matariki is now offered for sale, POA.
KETE
