Māori Korowai Cape in Te Ātiawa Colours Blue White Red

We were asked to make a cloak for someone from Te Ātiawa (Ngātiawa), so created this korowai (kahu huruhuru), approximately 40cm (102") long.  We can also make longer for you, just ask.  

Colours are:

•  Royal Blue - representing the moana (sea) and their connection to it
• Red - representing the kōkōwai (red ochre) on their Taranaki maunga (mountain)
• White - representing the snow on top of Taranaki Maunga
• Black - representing Papatūānuku (Earth Mother)

The top of this cloak has a knitted taniko tape in white, black and royal blue.

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. Māori 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 are Royal Blue, then White, then Red. The inside of the korowai is lined with black fabric. The cloak is sewn on a sewing machine, making it affordable.

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 her mother, and before that a Northland kuia. Please note that the correct Maori name for it is kahu huruhuru, but many people, including Maori, still call it a korowai.

Dimensions (approx):
Width 40" (102cm)
Length 16" (40cm)

Perfect 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.  You do not need to be Te Ātiawa to wear it.

NB: We try to keep our korowai in stock at all times, but if we have run out when you order, allow 2-3 weeks for it to be made.

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.

A deluxe black gift box is available as an optional extra - perfect if this is a presentation piece.  Please note that the photo shown is a representative one - when purchasing this korowai plus box you will receive this korowai in the box.