Korowai - Kaka Bird

Size: 1m x 1m

Contemporary Korowai - Kahu huruhuru Kakahu. The colours and design of this Korowai were inspired by the extinct large forest-dwelling parrot.

Māori cloaks are most commonly worn on special occasions, whether a significant hui and coming together of people, or significant graduation, birthday or tangi. The cloaks hold stories of our history or whānau [family] and whakapapa [genealogy]. They’re held in the highest regard and worn with the highest form of respect, prestige, and honor.

This is made with beautiful farmed chicken and rooster feathers, some of which have been dyed to create the amazing colour which has drawstring ties so you can alter the width to fit the wearer. This is handmade by machine stitchin feathers onto a lined fabric base.

The taniko trim has also been woven from wool in NZ. This design is the Manaia and Wairua (spirit) design. It shows the Manaia with poutama (stairway to heaven) above and below. The Manaia is sitting in the Wharenui (ancestral meeting house) symbolizing the bringing of iwi, whanau, and cultures together.