Tairiiri (Fan)

Tairiiri. Fan. Composite tairiiri woven from rito (young coconut leaf) with dyed-red kiriau (hibiscus fibre) akaververe (fringe), attached to mauranga (handle) rakau (wooden). The blade is in shape of an inverted triangle. Plaited commencement at centre base of the blade. Woven out in vertical twill (4/1) from the centre to form lower edge and sides of blade. Weaving technique alters to three rows of horizonzal twill to complete the rest of the blade. Mostly natural colour with the top edge decorated with strips of dyed-red kiriau interwoven into the blade, forming the akaverevere (fringe) (approximately 60mm wide). Top edge of the blade is flat. Blade is attached to a shaped mauranga carved from rakau puka (Lantern tree, Hernandia nymphaeifolia wood).