Korowai - Pohutukawa

Korowai  - Pohutukawa Design

Size: 1m x 1m

Contemporary Korowai - Kahu huruhuru Kakahu. The colours and design of this Korowai were inspired by the flowers of the Pohutukawa, which symbolises connecting the beginning and end of human life.

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 - Pohutukawa is a magnificent, handcrafted cloak inspired by the iconic Pohutukawa tree, known as the "New Zealand Christmas Tree." This beautiful Korowai is a symbolic representation of the vibrant, life-giving force of nature and the powerful connection between Māori culture and the land. The Pohutukawa tree is revered for its striking red flowers that bloom in summer, representing resilience, beauty, and the cyclical nature of life. Similarly, the Korowai - Pohutukawa is a wearable masterpiece that blends Māori traditions with the beauty of New Zealand's natural landscape.

This Korowai is expertly woven by skilled artisans using muka (flax fiber) and adorned with feathers, reflecting the time-honored techniques passed down through generations. The vibrant red hues of the feathers used in the cloak's design evoke the colors of the Pohutukawa flowers, making this Korowai a striking, symbolic garment. The Korowai - Pohutukawa carries the essence of the Pohutukawa tree, honoring its symbolism of strength, vitality, and the ever-changing seasons.

Whether for ceremonial purposes, special occasions, or as a statement piece of art, the Korowai - Pohutukawa is a timeless reminder of the enduring beauty and spiritual connection to New Zealand’s flora and Māori traditions. This Korowai speaks to the heart of the land and the people, offering not only protection and warmth but also a deep connection to the spirit of Aotearoa.

Key Points:

• Inspired by Pohutukawa Tree: The Korowai draws inspiration from the iconic Pohutukawa tree, symbolizing strength, beauty, and vitality.
  
• Handcrafted Craftsmanship: Each Korowai is meticulously crafted by skilled Māori artisans using flax (muka) and feathers, ensuring the highest quality and authenticity.
  
• Vibrant Symbolism: The red feathers incorporated into the Korowai reflect the vibrant flowers of the Pohutukawa tree, adding visual impact and cultural significance.
  
• Spiritual Protection: The Korowai provides protection to the wearer, symbolizing connection to the ancestors and the guardianship of nature.
  
• Sustainably Made: Made from natural, sustainable materials like muka and feathers, the Korowai is environmentally conscious and rooted in New Zealand's rich eco-culture.
  
• Multi-Purpose Use: Perfect for ceremonial use, as a special gift, or as an art piece that embodies Māori cultural values and New Zealand’s natural beauty.
  

Benefits:

• Cultural Connection: Owning or wearing the Korowai - Pohutukawa offers a deep connection to Māori heritage and the symbolic strength of New Zealand's native flora.
  
• Symbol of Vitality and Protection: The Pohutukawa tree is associated with vitality and endurance, and this Korowai symbolizes the strength and protection passed down from the ancestors.
  
• Natural Materials: Crafted from sustainable flax (muka) and feathers, the Korowai is eco-friendly and honors New Zealand’s environment.
  
• Cultural Artistry: Each Korowai is a unique work of art, handcrafted using traditional weaving methods, ensuring that no two pieces are the same.
  
• Warmth and Comfort: Not only a beautiful piece of cultural art, the Korowai also provides warmth and comfort, perfect for ceremonial occasions or cultural celebrations.
  
• Exclusive Gift or Display Piece: The Korowai - Pohutukawa is a meaningful and exclusive gift, or a remarkable piece to display as a cultural statement in your home.
  

Why You Should Choose This Korowai:

The Korowai - Pohutukawa is a garment that speaks volumes about New Zealand’s rich cultural heritage and the spiritual connection between the Māori people and the land. Inspired by the Pohutukawa tree, a symbol of resilience, vitality, and the endless cycle of life, this Korowai brings those qualities into your life. Choosing this piece means embracing the timeless values of Māori traditions while connecting with the natural world in a deeper, more meaningful way.

This Korowai is not just a piece of clothing, but a statement of cultural pride and a tribute to the vibrant beauty of New Zealand’s native plants. Whether you seek to honor your heritage, celebrate Māori culture, or add a unique and meaningful piece to your collection, the Korowai - Pohutukawa is the perfect choice. It embodies strength, beauty, and connection to the natural world, offering protection and warmth to those who wear it.

Conclusion:

The Korowai - Pohutukawa is a powerful expression of Māori cultural values, spirituality, and the beauty of New Zealand’s natural landscape. Inspired by the vibrant Pohutukawa tree, this handcrafted Korowai symbolizes protection, vitality, and a deep connection to the land and ancestors. Made with the finest natural materials, it stands as a testament to the artistry of Māori craftsmanship and the enduring beauty of Aotearoa.

Whether worn in ceremonies, given as a gift, or displayed as a cultural art piece, the Korowai - Pohutukawa offers a lasting connection to the spirit of the land. It is not just a garment but a powerful representation of the culture, strength, and natural beauty of New Zealand.