Tairiiri (Fan)

Tairiiri. Fan. Composite tairiiri woven from rito (young coconut leaf) with dyed kiriau (hibiscus fibre) akaververe (fringe) attached to a shaped mauranga (handle) rakau toa (ironwood). The blade is in shape of an inverted triangle. Plaited commencement at centre base of blade. Woven out in vertical twilled-2 from the centre to form lower edge and sides of blade. Weaving technique alters to check, leading to a horizontal twill weave to complete the rest of the blade. Top edge of blade is flat. Dyed-red and dyed-green kiriau is sewn to the top edge of the blade, forming the akaverevere. Blade is attached to shaped mauraka rakau and lashed at the centre base with cotton thread.