Volume 31, 1898
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Plaiting.
Many different plaits are known to the Maori, each of which has its special uses. Among others are the following:—
Topiki.
Whiri-papa: A flat plait.
Whiri-kawe: A flat plait of three strands (kawai).
Whiri-tuapuku: A round (topuku) plait of four strands.
Rauru: A flat plait of five strands.
Iwi-tuna: A round plait of four strands.
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Whiri-pekapeka: A flat plait of nine strands.
Whiri taura kaka: A square plait of ten strands. This pattern is said to have been copied from the peculiar square stem of the plant known as “Te Whiri-a-Raukatauri.”