"Maori folk art is a distinctive, widespread tradition in painting and carving that first appeared in meeting houses throughout eastern tribal areas of the North Island just over a hundred years ago. It has obvious sources in both European and Classic Maori art traditions and is a clearly identifiable and vital communicative art, complex in its iconography and significance to its creators."--From preface.

This book is a mosaic or quilt of folk art around the world, from polychrome clay figures made in Izúcar de Matamoros, Puebla (Mexico) to the baskets Maori women create in New Zealand, from Japanese lacquer work and decorated paddles to black dolls in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The creative impulse found in three continents, four countries, and four geographical regions are juxtaposed to make up a harmonious whole. The book carries out a detailed dissection of a variety of ethnic, racialized, and gender representations in their contemporary forms.

In te reo Maori, tauira means both student and teacher, and this book by acclaimed educator and anthropologist Joan Metge shows that Maori educational practices had a particular form and philosophy. Maori focused on learning by doing, teaching in context, learning in a group, memorizing, and advancement when ready. Parents, grandparents, and community leaders imparted cultural knowledge as well as practical skills to the younger generation through daily life and storytelling, in whanau and community activities. In preserving this evidence and these voices from the past, this important book also offers much inspiration for the future.

The weaving book centres on flax. Maori soon discovered the properties of harakeke ¿the wonder fibre¿, and have used it to create a huge range of useful and decorative objects, including baskets, mats, housing materials, clothing, ropes, and fishing nets. The construction of these articles records histories and stories, and acts as a cultural record.