PĒPI TUKU BOX

This  box is made up of 1 x PAPA TUKUTUKU I (PAKU) and 1 x TAKU PUKA TUKUTUKU.

PAPA TUKUTUKU I (PAKU) are hands-on pattern boards inspired by the beautiful tukutuku panels of our tīpuna, and the first of different variations to come. They are designed to spark creativity and connect people with traditional Māori decorations in a contemporary sense, while encouraging pattern recognition, familiarity, and hand movement.

The board consists of a 7x7 inch board with 25 reversible cross-stitch pieces ("x" shape), each measuring just over 2.5cm by 2.5cm. One side of each piece is black, and the other is white, allowing for whakapapa-led design to come to the surface in numerous ways.

TAKU PUKA TUKUTUKU is a 6 x 6 inch pukapuka created by Mihikeita Ngata, following rangahau into her whānau and wharenui, which is adorned with the most beautiful and intricate tukutuku. The one-week stay inspired rangahau into the basics of tukutuku and the different designs depicted, including the kōrero behind them and the hands and minds that created them. 

Created in a black and white style to appeal to the developing eye of pēpi, all the way through to pakeke interested in learning, the intent is for the strong contrast and minimalist presentation to imbue long-lasting memory and recognition of the contents within - the terms used come from the East Coast.

Safety Guidelines (PAPA TUKUTUKU PAKU)

• Recommended for ages 3 and up.
• For young tamariki, ensure PAPA are used under adult supervision to avoid the swallowing of small pieces, and their misplacement.
• Keep the pieces dry and clean to maintain their quality.