Ipu Whenua

Handwoven Natural Harakeke 

Muka & Paua Shell Button clip 

Our Ipu Whenua are created collaboratively by Ani and her niece Uriah. The Ipu Whenua’s sacred function is to act as the vessel that returns baby’s placenta (whenua) to Papatūānuku (the earth) through a simple ritual of 'whenua ki te whenua' following birth.  Through the creation of the Ipu Whenua Ani seeks to celebrate the life giving power of wāhine and our connection to the planet. 

Each Ipu Whenua is hand woven by Ani Mcguire. Each piece is original and one-of-a-kind and celebrates the miracle of new life and the journey of a child into the world.

All harakeke (flax) for each piece of raranga is cultivated and harvested on Ani's family whenua along the banks of the olf the old Ngaruroro Awa in Heretaunga. Ani's raranga style reflects her mastery of the artform and deep connection to the whenua. This is reflected in the beautifully uniform and tight weave found in her pieces.  Harakeke is boiled and cleaned during the preparation process. 

Each piece with 2 compostable & biodegradable bags to contain the whenua.

A truly unique and very special gift to celebrate the birth of a baby.   This beautiful hand woven vessel is for those with a deep appreciation for authentic, heritage Māori art forms and practices that connect us to the cycles of life and our relationship with the land.