This beautiful korowai represents two of our beautiful native NZ birds, the Tui (parson bird) and the Ruru (owl). It is made for those beautiful souls who love our native birds.
The feathers at the top of the kakahu represent the speckled feathers of the Ruru (also called the 'Morepork'), and the rest of the feathers represent the jade feathers of our much loved Tui bird.
Just in case you are wondering, this kahu huruhuru (feather cloak) is not made from the feathers of native birds. It is made from chicken feathers, some of which are natural colours, and some are dyed. Please note that the correct Maori name for the cloak is kahu huruhuru, but many people, including Maori, still call it a korowai.
The Maori feather cloak is made by a lovely Maori lady of Ngati Porou descent. She learnt the process from her mother, who was shown the method of making the korowai by a Northland kuia, and she blesses each korowai with a karakia. The inside of the korowai is lined with black fabric. The cloak is sewn on a sewing machine, making it affordable.
The top of the 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 mottled brown at the top, then jade and white feathers. 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 ruru tui korowai described above).
Shipped worldwide from New Zealand.
