Early Eco-Chic

Scrimping, saving and recycling was a way of life in Taranaki long before the days of eco-chic. This mentality can be clearly seen in the construction of this rag rug, which is made using small woollen rags. Each rag has been carefully hand hooked through a sacking base to create a decorative, hardy and useful item.

Dating rag rugs is a problematic exercise as materials used could span several decades but it is thought this one may date from the 1930s. Puke Ariki cares for a significant collection of these rugs which graced homes in the province for many years.