Maori piupiu skirt composed of many individual leaves of the flax plant that hang separately and are only connected at the top by a braided flax band, New Zealand, 20th c. The process of making such a skirt is labor intensive as sections of the leaves are stripped to the fiber at regular intervals. The leaves are mud dyed and only the exposed fibers take the dye, thus creating the dark sections. When worn during dancing ceremonies, the strands sway to and from and create a soothing, rustling sound. Size: 24'' x 50'' (61 x 127 cm).

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