Ariana Sheehan
Ariana’s piece is inspired by the whakataukī “Kia mau ki tena, kia mau ki te Kawau maro”, spoken by Maniapoto, the chief of Ngāti Maniapoto. The proverb talks of kotahitanga, collective strength and determination towards a united future. In this piece, kotahitanga is represented by a central whiri (plait) joining us all together. The theme is further continued by the weaving together of a variety of colours, creating multiple patterns that celebrate diversity and represent the unity of different cultures.
Ariana (Ngāti Maniapoto, Ngāti Tūwharetoa, Waikato) is a mother, kui and weaver based in Kirikiriroa.
Weaving allows Ariana to immerse herself in traditional Māori knowledge, passed down from her tūpuna (ancestors). She enjoys the whole weaving process from start to finish – harvesting, preparing, weaving, and then seeing the completed result.