Te Awe: Behind the weave

The influential power of that which we value most. He kura whakaawe i ahau! 

Evoking the essence of undying grace, compassion and need to know ourselves intimately, on the deepest levels so we may cultivate the courage to act in our best interests. Not in a self-serving way, but so that we can fully embody all that we are and show up authentically in the world. A most honourable and courageous expression of our life’s purpose and contribution to our families, communities and causes.

This blanket weaves the pūrākau (traditional story) of Hinetītama’s transformation to become Hinenuitepō, a narrative too often misconstrued to portray Hinetītama as a helpless, scorned character with no agency or fortitude of her own to be self-determining. Interwoven in the threads of Te Awe are two tāniko (geometric patterning) panels, and two key themes inspired by this story.

Seasons of change, maturity & wisdom

After successfully separating Papatūānuku and Ranginui (heaven and earth), Tāne Mahuta, an atua (god) of procreation and fertility, copulated with many atua wāhine to proliferate the earth with bountiful forests of flora and fauna, cloaking his mother, Papatūānuku.

At first, Hinetītama is not fully aware of Tāne’s nature and agrees to his advances of which many children are borne. After some time, Hinetītama enquires more into Tāne Mahuta’s behaviours only to discover she has also been used as a tool for procreation, for Tāne’s agenda.

Kaitaka huaki are fine flax cloaks with two, or sometimes three, lower borders of taniko (geometric patterning) that give the appearance of multiple cloaks when worn. As each tāniko embellished cloak reflects a lifetime of effort and achievement, we chose to adorn this blanket design with multiple tāniko borders to reflect seasons of change, in direction and approach growing with purpose, to become who we are meant to be. 

Self-determination as a conscious practice

Regardless of her devotion for Tāne, Hinetītama could not allow herself to tolerate the disrespect inflicted by his arrogance and hubris. So she mustered the courage to leave all that she knew and make a new home in Rarohenga, the underworld. Her assertion of her worthiness and innate belief in her worth was commemorated by her transformation into Hinenuitepō.

This act of self determination and inner strength is reflected in the bold niho taniwha patterns across the bottom border, whilst the waharua and ara moana motifs pay heed to the intersecting, juxtaposed nature of our decision making and the journeys we must undertake to arrive at our intended destination.

The story of Hinetītama and Hinenuitepō also reminds us of what’s at stake when we make decisions and discern to take action in favour of what’s best for us, knowing our worth and holding firm in our boundaries. The price of being resolute in our stance and grounded in our values. 

The side borders of this design also feature an ornate, stylised aorangi pattern, traditionally reflective of environmental knowledge. A reflection of our pepeha - an ancestral account of identifying landmarks, sites of significance, our kith and kin - to remind us of whom we belong to and to ground us in our connection to people and place and compel us forward.

The body of this design is an ode to Hinerauwhārangi, the child of Hinetītama and Tāne, associated with child birth and weaving, this stylised weave structure reflects a legacy of care and consideration for our future.

In your pursuit of living your truth, are you willing to accept there may be people who are committed to misunderstanding you? Who will misrepresent you, your intentions, your story? Draw on the wisdom and courage of Hinetītama and Hinenuitepō to be unwavering and unfettered in your pursuit! Koia! He kura whakaawe! 

Te Awe is one of three blankets in our Kurawaka Limited Edition Collection, launching 01.05.25.