Korowai - Takahe

Korowai - Takahe

Size: 1m x 1m

Contemporary Korowai - Kahu huruhuru Kakahu. The colours of this design were inspired by the natural beauty of the Takahe bird, which is considered a taonga (treasure).

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 - Takahe is a breathtakingly beautiful handcrafted Māori cloak inspired by the Takahe, a rare and iconic New Zealand bird known for its vivid plumage and resilient nature. The Takahe is a symbol of endurance, survival, and strength, having once been thought extinct before being rediscovered in the wild. Just as the Takahe thrives in the remote, protected environments of New Zealand’s landscape, this Korowai embodies the strength and tenacity of Māori traditions and their connection to the land and its creatures.

Made from muka (flax fiber) and feathers, the Korowai - Takahe is woven with the highest care and respect by skilled Māori artisans, each stitch holding deep cultural significance. The Korowai’s design incorporates shades of vibrant blues, greens, and purples, echoing the colors of the Takahe’s plumage. This garment represents the endurance and spirit of New Zealand’s native wildlife while embodying the sacred connection Māori people have with the natural world.

Perfect for ceremonial occasions, cultural events, or as a deeply meaningful gift, the Korowai - Takahe serves as a beautiful reminder of both the strength of the Māori people and the resilience of New Zealand’s wildlife. It is a garment that carries with it both the beauty of the land and the proud heritage of the Māori culture.

Key Points:

• Inspired by the Takahe: The Korowai reflects the Takahe’s symbolism of endurance, resilience, and survival, representing the strength of New Zealand’s wildlife and Māori heritage.
  
• Handcrafted Craftsmanship: Made using muka (flax fiber) and feathers, this Korowai is expertly woven by skilled Māori artisans using traditional weaving techniques.
  
• Vibrant and Rich Design: The cloak features stunning colors of blue, green, and purple, reminiscent of the Takahe’s vibrant plumage, creating a visually striking garment.
  
• Cultural Significance: The Takahe’s rarity and comeback from the brink of extinction mirror the Māori people’s enduring connection to their heritage, making this Korowai a cultural symbol of survival and strength.
  
• Sustainable Materials: Crafted from natural, eco-friendly materials such as flax and feathers, this Korowai reflects Māori cultural values of environmental stewardship.
  
• Exclusivity and Uniqueness: Each Korowai is one-of-a-kind, carefully woven to ensure that every piece is a unique work of art and cultural expression.
  

Benefits:

• Cultural Empowerment: The Korowai - Takahe offers a deep connection to Māori culture and the natural world, symbolizing strength, resilience, and survival.
  
• Symbol of Resilience: Like the Takahe, which overcame near extinction, this Korowai embodies the perseverance and strength of both Māori culture and New Zealand’s native species.
  
• Aesthetic Appeal: The vivid colors of blue, green, and purple in the Korowai’s design make it a striking and beautiful piece of wearable art.
  
• Spiritual and Physical Protection: Korowai were traditionally worn as protective garments, offering both spiritual warmth and connection to the ancestors and the land.
  
• Sustainability: Crafted from sustainable materials, the Korowai honors Māori values of respecting the environment and living in harmony with nature.
  
• Ideal for Ceremonies and Gifting: This Korowai is perfect for ceremonial purposes, special cultural events, or as a deeply meaningful gift for those who cherish Māori heritage and the natural world.
  

Why You Should Choose This Korowai:

The Korowai - Takahe is more than just a garment; it is a powerful cultural statement. Inspired by the Takahe, a bird that embodies endurance, survival, and strength, this Korowai connects the wearer to both the resilience of New Zealand’s wildlife and the spiritual heritage of the Māori people. It serves as a reminder of the importance of cultural preservation, environmental stewardship, and the enduring strength that lives within both nature and the people of Aotearoa (New Zealand).

Whether for ceremonial use, as a meaningful gift, or as an art piece to honor Māori culture, the Korowai - Takahe is the perfect choice for those who seek to celebrate the beauty, resilience, and spirit of New Zealand's natural world.

Conclusion:

The Korowai - Takahe is a stunning expression of Māori craftsmanship and cultural heritage. Drawing inspiration from the rare and resilient Takahe, this Korowai is not only a beautiful piece of wearable art but also a meaningful symbol of survival, strength, and connection to the land. Handcrafted with natural materials and a deep respect for Māori traditions, it offers both spiritual protection and an aesthetic connection to New Zealand’s wildlife.

Whether worn during important ceremonies, displayed as a unique art piece, or given as a gift that carries both cultural and natural significance, the Korowai - Takahe is a timeless symbol of resilience and connection to the enduring spirit of New Zealand’s people and wildlife.