Māori Rafter and Tāniko Designs by WJ Phillipps

Long out of print, this guide to the design of meeting-house rafters, tāniko weaving and tukutuku returns in an all-new colour printing. Māori Rafter & Tāniko Designs is an essential source of information about the patterns used throughout Māori architecture and textiles, focusing on the intricate designs of rafter carving, tāniko weaving and tukutuku panels.

First published in 1943, the book has been so hard to come by but has now been completely redesigned and re-released, introducing key patterns in an accessible manner with rich illustrations and tuhotō (macrons) in place.

The book begins with the koru, developing from drawings into real examples and designs, allowing readers greater access to understanding.

That supports the aim Phillipps outlined in the introduction to his 1960 edition, namely ‘to analyse Māori rafter patterns and discuss their component parts in such a manner that a clearer understanding and a greater appreciation of them will be the result.’

Phillipps, who was born in Oamaru in 1893, joined the staff of the Dominion Museum (now Te Papa Tongarewa), in Wellington in 1915. He worked as an ethnologist, ichthyologist, ornithologist and scientific illustrator. During his career, he published some 200 scientific papers and authored several books in the fields of zoology and anthropology. Phillipps' passion for science is obvious in this book, but his writing and analysis is easy to understand.

This book is invaluable as a resource. It is full of knowledge, inspiration and ideas. A glossary, bibliography and a list of other resources available from the publisher make this book a great starting point to further dive into the subject.

The re-release of Māori Rafter and Tāniko Designs provides access to valuable, culturally significant knowledge, preserving it and sharing it with the next generation. 

Reviewer: Rebekah Lyell

Oratia Books