Niho Taniwha Table Cloth

Honour the strength, resilience and storytelling of Māori culture with the beautifully designed Niho Taniwha Table Cloth by artist Phila Te Wiremu Lagaluga, a multidisciplinary creative of Sāmoan and Māori heritage. Featuring the powerful Niho Taniwha motif - meaning "teeth of the Taniwha" - this design symbolises guardianship, strength, and leadership, with the triangular pattern often used in carvings, tukutuku panels, and traditional weaving. Phila brings a contemporary lens to ancestral design, offering educators and children a culturally respectful and visually striking resource. Printed on durable, washable polyester, this one-sided table cloth is both practical and meaningful, suitable for classroom settings, cultural celebrations, and everyday use. Whether used for display or discussion, it supports a deeper understanding of Aotearoa's rich cultural heritage and enables students to explore the enduring relevance of Māori design in modern contexts.

Educational Benefits

• Encourages cultural understanding through the exploration of traditional Māori patterns.
• Teaches symbolic meanings and historical significance of Niho Taniwha in Māori culture.
• Supports visual literacy and pattern recognition through authentic Indigenous design.
• Promotes inclusive learning environments that reflect First Nations identities and stories.

Classroom Ideas

• Use during lessons on Māori culture, art, and symbolism as a visual anchor for discussion.
• Set up a themed learning station exploring the stories behind tukutuku patterns.
• Encourage students to design their own symbolic patterns inspired by Niho Taniwha.
• Use as a centrepiece during Harmony Day, Reconciliation Week or Waitangi Day activities.

Safety & Information

• Ages: Suitable for all ages; adult supervision recommended during display or cleaning.
• Measurements: Approx. 140 × 180 cm.
• Material: 100% durable polyester, one-sided print.
• Safety: Keep away from open flames and sharp tools; machine washable on gentle cycle.