Here at Play to Learn our tamariki have participated in the Pacifica week. During this time, they have made a Pacific Island mat through weaving.
“For thousands of years, finely woven mats have been both everyday and formal items. They have been used as clothing, bedcovers, and room dividers, as well as ceremonial coverings at births, weddings, and funerals. Considered a marker of status and wealth, finely woven mats were also given as diplomatic gifts and were important trade items. The giving of woven mats remains a source of pride and means of honoring the recipient, creating lasting ties”.
The people in the Pacific Island mainly use Pandanus leaf, Palm leaf, or Coconut leaf to do their weaving. Later on, when it is completed, to decorate the mat they put coolers at the end of the mat, or they use either paint or dye and design the mat.
Our tamariki using the blue strips of paper, learned the concepts of up, over, and under. Our tamariki contributed their thoughts, ideas, and feelings during this learning experience. We had a rich koorero during this activity and learned more about the Pacific Island mats and sustaining our culture at the same time. Tino pai to mahi tamariki ma!!!
Source: https://nhm.org/experience-nhm/exhibitions-natural-history-museum/fabric-community/what-are-tapa-and-woven-mats
