What's in a plant leaf? a case study of materials innovation in New Zealand

Were, Graeme

Abstract

Materials are ubiquitous. They help shape - through their experiential and agentive capacity - human thought and action. Through their innovation and use in society and industry, materials play a significant role in social change. The innovation of materials is important as the process makes a more efficient and effective market for industry producers as well as consumers. Harakeke (Phormium tenax) is a plant with long spear-shaped leaves that is native to New Zealand and Norfolk Island. The plant appears in many varieties and names, each with specific applications for weaving and other uses. Maoris extract the strong fibres from its leaves by hand using a mussel shell that they scrape along the length of the leaf. Washing, drying and twisting produces a soft, pliable and strong fibre that is able to hold dyes as well as being waterproof. The fibres are almost white in colour, flexible, soft and silky.

Citation

Were, G. (2015). What's in a plant leaf? a case study of materials innovation in New Zealand. In A. Drazin, & S. Küchler (Eds.), The Social Life of Materials: Studies in Materials and Society (31-47). Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781003087175-4

• Publication Date: Aug 1, 2015
• Deposit Date: Oct 8, 2024
• Publisher: Routledge
• Pages: 31-47
• Book Title: The Social Life of Materials: Studies in Materials and Society
• ISBN: 9781472592637
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.4324/9781003087175-4