Korowai - Patiki

Korowai - Patiki

Size: 1m x 1m

Contemporary Korowai - Kahu huruhuru Kakahu. The colours and design of this Korowai were inspired by the Flounder fish, which is a symbol of abundance.

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.

Description:

The Korowai - Patiki is a majestic and culturally rich Māori cloak, inspired by the Patiki, or flounder fish, which holds significant spiritual and cultural importance in Māori tradition. Known for its distinctive flat shape and connection to the sea, the Patiki represents adaptability, grace, and resourcefulness—qualities that are deeply valued in Māori culture. This beautifully handcrafted Korowai is a tribute to the Patiki’s role in Māori fishing traditions and its spiritual significance as a symbol of sustenance and balance.

Woven with exceptional skill, the Korowai - Patiki features muka (flax fiber) and feathers, materials that are carefully chosen for their strength and durability. The cloak’s design incorporates subtle patterns and motifs that mirror the fluidity and grace of the Patiki, bringing to life the spirit of the sea in every thread. Handcrafted by skilled Māori artisans, each Korowai is unique, with intricate details that reflect the artist’s respect for tradition and the natural world.

Ideal for ceremonial occasions, cultural events, or as a meaningful gift, the Korowai - Patiki is more than just a garment—it is a connection to the ocean, the land, and the rich cultural heritage of Aotearoa (New Zealand). It embodies the balance between the land and sea, serving as a reminder of the important relationship Māori people have with the natural environment.

Key Points:

• Inspired by the Patiki: Symbolizes the grace, adaptability, and resourcefulness of the Patiki (flounder fish), which is an important part of Māori fishing culture.
  
• Handcrafted Excellence: Made using traditional weaving techniques and premium materials such as muka (flax fiber) and feathers, ensuring each Korowai is a work of art.
  
• Spiritual and Cultural Significance: Represents sustenance, balance, and connection to both the sea and the land, central themes in Māori culture.
  
• Eco-Friendly Materials: Crafted from sustainable, natural materials that honor the environment and Māori traditions.
  
• Unique and Personalized: Each Korowai is carefully handcrafted, with subtle variations that make every piece one-of-a-kind.
  
• Versatile and Meaningful: Perfect for use in ceremonies, as a cultural gift, or as a striking art piece in any setting.
  

Benefits:

• Cultural Connection: The Korowai - Patiki offers a deep connection to Māori culture, celebrating the relationship between the people, the sea, and the land.
  
• Symbol of Balance and Adaptability: The Patiki is a symbol of balance, adaptability, and resilience, qualities that are woven into the very fabric of the Korowai.
  
• Aesthetic and Spiritual Appeal: The unique design and color palette of the Korowai offer both visual beauty and spiritual significance, making it a striking garment and a meaningful cultural statement.
  
• Sustainably Crafted: Made from eco-friendly materials like flax and feathers, the Korowai is a sustainable product that respects nature and Māori values.
  
• Handmade with Precision: Each Korowai is carefully crafted by expert artisans, ensuring high-quality workmanship and authenticity.
  
• Perfect Gift or Display Piece: A meaningful and culturally significant gift, or an impressive art piece to display in your home or gallery.
  

Why You Should Choose This Korowai:

The Korowai - Patiki is more than a garment—it is a cultural symbol that embodies the Māori relationship with the land and sea. Inspired by the Patiki, a symbol of grace and balance, this Korowai offers the wearer a tangible connection to Māori traditions, the spiritual forces of nature, and the ocean's life-sustaining power. Choosing this Korowai means embracing these values, honoring the Māori ancestors, and celebrating the harmony between land, sea, and culture.

Whether worn for ceremonial purposes, displayed as a cultural art piece, or gifted to someone special, the Korowai - Patiki is an ideal choice for anyone who wishes to experience the beauty, strength, and balance of New Zealand’s natural world.

Conclusion:

The Korowai - Patiki is a stunning piece of Māori cultural heritage that beautifully represents the sacred relationship between the Māori people, the sea, and the land. Inspired by the Patiki, the flounder fish, this Korowai embodies balance, adaptability, and the enduring strength of nature. Handcrafted with care and respect, it offers a powerful connection to the spiritual forces of Aotearoa and its unique cultural traditions.

Whether worn during important ceremonies, displayed in your home as a cultural treasure, or given as a meaningful gift, the Korowai - Patiki is a timeless piece that captures the essence of Māori culture and the natural beauty of New Zealand. It serves as a reminder of the adaptability and grace needed to live in harmony with the land and sea.