Woven from harakeke over 200 years ago, Te Rā is the only known customary Māori sail in existence. This November you can see Te Rā at Auckland Museum and two younger sibling sails made recently by Te Rā Ringa Raupā.
At nearly four and a half metres long, Te Rā brings a wealth of historical and cultural significance to the Museum’s most beloved gallery.
Held in the collection of the British Museum, this is the first time Te Rā has returned to Aotearoa in its more than 200 year history, and is a special opportunity for New Zealanders to see the sail first-hand.
Exhibition is on Sat 18 Nov 2023 to Sun 26 May 2024.
Te Rā: Navigating Homeis at Tāmaki Paenga Hira Auckland War Memorial Museum from Saturday 18 November 2023 until Sunday 26 May 2024.The exhibition of Te Rārepresents a significant collaboration between the British Museum, Christchurch Art Gallery Te Puna o Waiwhetū and Tāmaki Paenga Hira Auckland War Memorial Museum.
Image: Makers unknown Te Rā the sail c. 1770–1800. Harakeke, kererū, kāhu and kākā feathers, dog skin. Photo: Supplied by Auckland Museum.
