Korowai - Kākā Bird

Korowai - Kākā 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.

Our Korowai are handmade in Auckland by machine stitching feathers onto a lined fabric base. The feather wrap around the front edge to complete the look. A traditional handwoven one takes many weeks to complete and costs significantly more. A modern Korowai offers better durability and more colours. Inspiration for the colour and designs from our local fauna and flora. We use beautiful farmed chicken and rooster feathers, some of which have been dyed to create the amazing colour range available in our Korowai selection. Our Korowai have drawstring ties so you can alter the width to fit the wearer. We try to keep a small stock but you should allow a week for production.

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.

Allow 1 week for manufacture.

Description:

The Korowai - Kākā Bird is an exquisite handcrafted Māori cloak inspired by the vibrant and majestic Kākā, a native New Zealand parrot known for its beauty, strength, and striking colors. The Kākā represents freedom, resilience, and the spirited connection between the Māori people and the natural world. The Korowai - Kākā Bird is a symbol of these same qualities, blending the rich traditions of Māori craftsmanship with the spirit of the Kākā bird, known for its loud call and its ability to soar through New Zealand’s forests with grace and power.

Handcrafted with care, the Korowai - Kākā Bird incorporates muka (flax fiber) and feathers, materials selected for their strength, durability, and deep cultural significance. The cloak is meticulously woven by skilled Māori artisans, each stitch reflecting a deep respect for Māori traditions. The vibrant reds, greens, and yellows of the Kākā’s feathers are reflected in the design of this Korowai, symbolizing the beauty of the land and the bird’s ability to thrive in the dense New Zealand forests.

This Korowai is not just a garment; it is a celebration of the natural world and the spirit of the Kākā. Perfect for ceremonial occasions, cultural events, or as a cherished art piece, the Korowai - Kākā Bird connects the wearer with the vitality and resilience of New Zealand’s native birdlife and the Māori people’s strong ties to the land.

Key Points:

• Inspired by the Kākā Bird: The Korowai symbolizes the spirit, beauty, and resilience of the Kākā, a native parrot that thrives in New Zealand’s forests.
  
• Handcrafted Excellence: Made from muka (flax fiber) and feathers, the Korowai is intricately woven by skilled Māori artisans using traditional weaving techniques.
  
• Vibrant and Colorful Design: The cloak features rich reds, greens, and yellows that reflect the Kākā’s stunning plumage and the vibrant natural world of Aotearoa (New Zealand).
  
• Cultural Significance: The Kākā bird is a symbol of strength, freedom, and resilience, embodying qualities that are highly regarded in Māori culture.
  
• Sustainable Materials: Crafted using natural, eco-friendly materials like flax and feathers, this Korowai respects Māori cultural values and the environment.
  
• Unique and Exclusive: Each Korowai is a unique piece, handcrafted with care and attention to detail, making it one-of-a-kind.
  

Benefits:

• Cultural Connection: The Korowai - Kākā Bird is a powerful connection to Māori heritage and the deep spiritual relationship between the Māori people and New Zealand’s natural world.
  
• Symbol of Resilience: The Kākā bird’s vibrant colors and ability to thrive in New Zealand’s forests represent resilience and strength, qualities that are embodied in the Korowai.
  
• Aesthetic and Spiritual Appeal: The Korowai is both a beautiful piece of art and a spiritual symbol, offering not only visual beauty but also a deep cultural significance.
  
• Protection and Connection: Traditionally, Korowai are worn for spiritual protection, offering the wearer a sense of security and connection to the land and its ancestral guardians.
  
• Eco-Friendly and Sustainable: Made from sustainable materials like muka (flax) and feathers, the Korowai aligns with Māori values of environmental stewardship.
  
• Perfect for Ceremonies and Gifting: Whether worn for Māori ceremonies, special events, or given as a meaningful gift, this Korowai is a statement of cultural pride and connection.
  

Why You Should Choose This Korowai:

The Korowai - Kākā Bird is more than just a garment—it is a deep connection to New Zealand’s natural beauty and Māori heritage. Inspired by the Kākā, a bird renowned for its strength, beauty, and freedom, this Korowai embodies the same qualities and serves as a powerful symbol of resilience, protection, and the enduring spirit of the land.

Choosing this Korowai means embracing Māori culture, honoring the natural world, and connecting with the spirit of the Kākā bird. Whether for ceremonial purposes, as a unique gift, or as a cultural art piece, the Korowai - Kākā Bird is the perfect choice for anyone looking to celebrate Māori traditions and the beauty of New Zealand’s native wildlife.

Conclusion:

The Korowai - Kākā Bird is a stunning work of Māori craftsmanship that represents the resilience, freedom, and strength of New Zealand’s native Kākā bird. Handcrafted with flax and feathers, this Korowai captures the vibrant spirit of the bird and the deep connection between the Māori people and their natural surroundings. The Korowai serves as both a beautiful garment and a cultural symbol, offering protection, warmth, and a lasting connection to the land.

Whether worn for ceremonies, displayed in your home as a cultural treasure, or given as a meaningful gift, the Korowai - Kākā Bird is a perfect representation of Māori traditions, New Zealand’s natural beauty, and the enduring strength of the Kākā bird.