This gorgeous Maori Feather Korowai was inspired by the colouring of New Zealand's Great Spotted Kiwi. This endangered bird is found in the tussock, native forest and sub-alpine areas of the north-west of the South Island.
The Maori feather cloak is made by a lovely Maori lady of Ngati Porou descent. She was shown the method of making the korowai by a Northland kuia, and she blesses each korowai with a karakia.
Please note that the correct Maori name for it is kahu huruhuru, but many people, including Maori, still call it a korowai.
The top of this cloak is finished with a knitted taniko in colours of chocolate, white and tan. The taniko design represents manaia and wairua. Te Manaia is a bird like figure that has supernatural powers and is a spiritual guardian. Te Manaia has the head of a bird, body of a man, and the tail of a fish, representing the balance between water, earth and sky. Maori regard Te Manaia as the unseen light surrounding each of us. You can liken it to a bird sitting on your shoulder as a guardian guiding your spirit.
The rest of the taniko is in a poutama (stairway to heaven) design. The poutama design symbolises a climb made by Tanenui-a-rangi, who climbed to the heavens to receive 3 baskets of knowledge and 2 stones or whatukura (of knowledge and mana) from the supreme being, Io. The series of steps denote the steps of progress and advancement through education. From this will emerge rangatira (chiefs and leaders of the future). In the middle of the poutama design is a V meeting with another V. That represents our ancestral meeting house, the Wharenui. It symbolises the gathering and bringing together of all whanau, iwi, and cultures.
Feathers used start with white, then change to the mottled brown feathers that look a lot like the natural feathers of the spotted kiwi. The inside of the korowai is lined with black fabric. The cloak is sewn on a sewing machine, making it affordable.
Dimensions (approx):
Width 39' (99cm)
Length 43' (110cm)
Wonderful to wear at a wedding, special function, 21st, graduation, or to present as a corporate gift, or to keep as a unique and beautiful piece of Maori art.
NB: Usually in stock; if not in stock will be made to order, allow 2-3 weeks.
To maintain the mana of this beautiful piece of Maori art, please wear the korowai around the shoulders and not under the armpit.
SPECIAL NOTE RE SHIPPING : If you are having this shipped internationally, please select Economy Courier or Express Courier only. The item is too valuable to ship by Airmail, which does not carry sufficient insurance.
Purchase the korowai on its own, or in a deluxe black gift box (with clear lid). Perfect for special presentations. (Please note that the gift box photo is a representative one, showing a different korowai, but you will receive the kiwi style korowai described above).
Shipped worldwide from New Zealand.
