Te Rawer Hrroa.—Maori Plaited Basketry and Plaitwork. 739 
The finish to the ends is done with dressed flax-fibre (muka). The 
unplaited weft-ends are untied, and divided into three equal parts of 
two wefts each. To each part а 3ft. length of fibre is attached by 
looping the thicker end and incorporating the short portion with another 
weft-division. The three compound divisions of fibre and weft-material 
are then plaited on in the ordinary three-ply plait so as to produce a some- 
what flattened cord. Note that the bending-back of a short length of fibre 
in another division and plaiting it down for a few strokes absolutely fixes 
the junction of fibre and weft, and allows it to stand the strain of heavy 
weights without becoming loosened. As the weft-ends become thinner 
and give out, the band changes from a flat band to the ordinary fibrous 
ord. This cord thins down until it is tied in a knot about 3 ft. from its 
through the loops, and is usually assisted to his feet by a pull on the arms. 
Failing assistance, the burden with the kawe in position is usually placed 
on something to raise it from the ground. From this we get the old proverb, 
carri ross one shoulder. In eastern Polynesia, from the Hawaiian 
Islands down through the old distributing-centre in Tahiti and Raiatea, 
on to the Maori nearest of kin, the Rarotongan, and away to the islands 
94* 
