Paua and Black Maori Korowai Cape

This beautiful Paua and Black Maori Korowai Cape is made from feathers, just like the traditional kahu huruhuru of yesteryear.  

The cape is bound at the top with a taniko containing colours turquoise, black and white. 

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.

The korowai cape measures approximately 106cm x 66cm (41 3/4" x 26").  It ties at the front with black cord.

The feathers are paua at the top, merging into black at the bottom.  Paua is our native abalone, found only in NZ waters.  Its shell is so beautiful, with irridescent shades of blue, green, pink and purple.

A really elegant cape, perfect for shorter people or those who do not want a full length korowai.

Please note that the correct Maori name for a feather cape is kahu huruhuru, but many people, including Maori, still call it a korowai.

All our korowai are made in New Zealand by a very talented Maori lady, of Ngati Porou descent. She makes them using a sewing machine, making the garment affordable.  The technique was shown to her by a Northland kuia.

Please note that if we are out of stock at the time you order, allow 2-3 weeks for manufacture.

Shipped worldwide.

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 paua and black korowai in the box.