Taimana Cowl

The main colorwork motif of the Taimana Cowl (Te Reo Maori for “Diamond”) is heavily influenced by traditional Maori tāniko designs, geometric patterning woven onto borders of cloaks and dresses. This particular geometric formation is called “Patikitiki”, easily identifiable through the singular diamond as the dominant motif. The Patikitiki motif is meant to resemble the flounder fish, a common food source for the Maori.

According to the Ngati Porou iwi (tribe), which my mother hails from, the Patikitiki acknowledges the hard work that the women contributed to the iwi through supplementing the food supplies and even hunting the fish at night, when everyone else was fast asleep.

In addition to the intriguing cultural history behind the design, you’ll find that working up this pattern hits the sweet spot between mindless and engaging knitting. The colorwork motif is both addicting and intuitive, and the stripe sections knit up fairly quickly.