Muka

Muka is prepared fibre of New Zealand flax (Māori: harakeke).

[1] Prepared primarily by scraping, pounding and washing, it is a key material in Māori traditional textiles where it is usually used in tāniko or twined weaving.

Some varieties produce different grades or quality of muka that result in characteristics such as strength, whiteness or shine.

[2] In pre-European times, muka was widely used by the Māori and was the primary fibre used for weaving clothing.

[4] Well into the European era it was used for paper, clothing and sacking, with large commercial workings in Foxton and elsewhere.