Kete Tāhora Series

Elaine Bevan is from Ōtaki. She began weaving in 1985 during her first pregnancy and is a dearly respected figure amongst Raranga communities. Elaine graduated from Te Wānanga o Raukawa with a Poutuarongo Toi Whakarākai, Bachelor of Design & Art in 2001. Over the years, Elaine has dedicated her practice to the transfer of knowledge, teaching in Kōhanga, Kura kaupapa, Te Wānanga o Raukawa, and on her marae. She is also a member of Te Roopū Raranga Whatu o Aotearoa and exhibited Te Aho Mutunga Kore- The Eternal Thread in Oregon, 2005.Kaupapa:Elaine is a fine arts weaver of Kaakahu tūturu and has worked on many iwi-associated projects revitalising the traditional practices of Raranga. Known for her fine art weaving and innovation, she is also a leader of restorative works such as the rededication of Tukutuku for Rangiātea Church. Immersed in a whānau of weavers, Elaine came to observe the crossover of traditional and contemporary weaving to establish her practice as a contemporary weaver steeped within matauranga Māori. Her practice involves traditional dyes and dying methods- she is especially drawn to finely woven pieces. Elaine’s fine technique is a signature element of her style, shown throughout her kete whakairo, muka, and kākahu. Her ‘Kete Tahorā’ is an experimental open-weave basket that explores the forms of the Tahorā or whale. Tahorā is a kupu taiao nō Kāpiti, a variant of the term Tohorā, meaning whale. It is the second series of her ‘Kete Tahorā’ collection and is a type of kete whiri- an open weave characteristically used for food gathering. Also known as a kete kai, its main function is to gather and transport kai such as shellfish and fish from the local rivers and sea.