Maori Flax Piupiu Skirt
This authentic Maori Piupiu, or dance kilt, is made in the traditional way, with one exception (see below). The piupiu is worn by both men and women ( and children) for kapa haka, special occasions, etc. The work involved in making them is long and complex.
Piupiu are traditionally made from flax, although native grasses can also be used. (Our ones are made from flax). A sharp shell is used to cut and strip the flax leaf, to soften it and expose the fibre (muka), and to carve out the areas which will be blackened. When the flax is immersed for a day in a pool of stagnant mud ( paru, which contains iron oxide), the carved out sections turn black. The flax is washed and left to dry in the sun. As the flax dries, it curls into a cylinder. The leaves are fastened to a plaited top, either before or after drying. The only exception to the traditional way these piupiu are made now, is that dyes are used instead of mud, to make the piupiu last longer. Paru is acidic, causing the fibre to break down over time.
Piupiu are worn as part of the Maori dance costume, nowadays usually worn over a black skirt ( women) or black shorts (men). The skirt wraps around and the ends of the plaited section are tied.
Length usually around 20' (51cm) for adult females, and 16' (41cm) for males. Purchase the waist size you want.
If you want a different size to the ones offered, please get in touch.
The piupiu are made-to-order, which takes 2-4 weeks. If you are wanting several for a school or cultural group, allow 2-4 months depending on the quantity needed. Being handmade and dyed, manufacturing time is weather dependent as well. We are happy to do quotes for schools needing to get a grant to purchase their piupiu.
If you want a more complex pattern than that shown (korirangi), the cost will be higher, but it is possible to do. The piupiu are made by one of the top New Zealand piupiu makers. Rest assured, your piupiu will be Maori made and top quality.
Wear your piupiu with pride, or hang it on the wall as a marvellous piece of Maori art.
Note re shipping: Please choose Economy Courier or Express Courier as your overseas shipping option, as the piupiu are too valuable to go by Airmail, which is not tracked or insured.
Comment from customer: The piupiu arrived the next day and I'm really pleased with the order. Many thanks. I hope to place more orders this year. (Carol C, NZ)
And if you watch the Thor:Love and Thunder movie, particularly the scenes with Zeus in Omnipotence City, you'll see a Maori goddess wearing a piupiu...it's ours.
