Workshop
Join Kaetaeta Watson for this 2 hour workshop and learn how to weave Te Mwae, a Kiribati garland headdress woven with 3 strand flax fibre with found natural materials.
Participants are invited to weave the i-Kiribati way which involves sitting on the floor with shoes off. Please wear comfortable clothing and easy on and off shoes.
Materials:
Flax to be provided:
Participants to bring:
Found natural materials eg leaves, flowers, seaweed for their own personalised headdress adornment.
Tickets to this event are available from Cultural Conversations by clicking the link below.
While tickets are free to book, a Koha is appreciated.
Genre: Workshop
Artist / Tutor: Kaetaeta WatsonDate: 10/04/2025
Times: 10:00 - 12:00Price: FREE
Venue: Cultural Conversations
Skill level required: All levels
Students need to bring: Found natural materials eg leaves, flowers, seaweed for their own personalised headdress adornment.
Kaetaeta Watson
Born in Eita village on the island of Tabiteuea, Kiribati, Watson moved to New Zealand in 1973 and is now based on the Coromandel Peninsula.
Watson plays a key role in the revival of traditional weaving techniques, conducting research in museums, gathering traditional knowledge, and applying masterful weaving skills. A notable project was a traditional suit of armour, created by Watson, Chris Charteris, Lizzy Leckie, and the Tungaru: The Kiribati Project team. Watson believes in sharing these skills to ensure their survival, strengthening the sense of community in the process.
In recognition of her contributions to Pacific heritage and culture, Watson, along with Louisa Humphry, received the Pacific Heritage Artist Award at the 2019 Arts Pasifika Awards, presented by Creative New Zealand.
