Korowai - Tane Mahuta

Korowai - Tane Mahuta

Size: 1m x 1m

Contemporary Korowai - Kahu huruhuru Kakahu. The colours and design of this korowai were inspired by the sacred Kauri tree Tane Mahuta.

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 - Tane Mahuta is a stunning and revered Māori cloak that symbolizes the strength, beauty, and sacredness of the natural world. Named after the Māori god of the forest, Tāne Mahuta, this Korowai honors the mighty kauri tree, one of the oldest and largest trees in New Zealand, revered for its grandeur and longevity. The Korowai is crafted with deep respect for the Māori traditions, incorporating natural fibers and feathers to create a wearable piece of art that embodies both protection and connection to the land.

Made from premium flax (muka) and adorned with feathers, this cloak has been intricately woven by skilled artisans using time-honored techniques passed down through generations. The Korowai - Tane Mahuta is a powerful representation of the spiritual significance of New Zealand's forests, symbolizing Tāne Mahuta's guardianship over the natural world. It is both a culturally significant garment and a symbol of strength, beauty, and endurance.

Whether worn during ceremonial events, special occasions, or displayed as an art piece, the Korowai - Tane Mahuta offers a timeless connection to New Zealand’s heritage. This sacred garment is more than just a cloak—it is a bridge between past and present, bringing the wearer closer to the spirit of the forest and the ancestors.

Key Points:

• Cultural Reverence: Inspired by Tāne Mahuta, the Māori god of the forest, this Korowai carries the spirit and protection of the land.
  
• Handcrafted Masterpiece: Woven with flax (muka) and adorned with feathers, every Korowai is handmade by expert artisans with utmost care and precision.
  
• Symbol of Protection and Strength: Represents the strength of the kauri tree and the guardianship of Tāne Mahuta, offering protection to the wearer.
  
• Sustainably Sourced Materials: Crafted from natural, sustainable materials, respecting both the culture and environment.
  
• Multi-Purpose Use: Ideal for ceremonial occasions, cultural celebrations, gifting, or as an art piece to be cherished for years.
  
• Exclusively Crafted: Each Korowai is unique, with subtle differences that make each one an individual work of art.
  

Benefits:

• Cultural Connection: Wearing the Korowai - Tane Mahuta establishes a deep connection to Māori heritage and the ancestral guardianship of the forests.
  
• Spiritual Significance: The cloak symbolizes Tāne Mahuta's role in maintaining balance and harmony in the natural world, offering spiritual protection to the wearer.
  
• Warmth and Comfort: Besides its cultural and spiritual significance, the Korowai offers physical warmth and comfort, crafted for both ceremonial use and practical wear.
  
• Sustainability: The use of natural, sustainable materials like muka (flax) and feathers makes the Korowai eco-friendly, supporting environmental preservation.
  
• Exquisite Craftsmanship: Each Korowai is a work of art, made with intricate weaving techniques that demonstrate the skill and dedication of the artisans.
  
• Unique and Meaningful Gift: A powerful and meaningful gift for those who appreciate Māori culture, art, and the natural world.
  

Why You Should Choose This Korowai:

The Korowai - Tane Mahuta is more than just a garment; it is a connection to the spiritual and natural world of Aotearoa (New Zealand). This Korowai draws inspiration from Tāne Mahuta, the Māori god of the forest, representing the ancient strength of the kauri trees and the guardianship of the Māori people over the land. Choosing this piece means honoring the deep spiritual connection Māori people have with their environment and ancestors.

Whether for ceremonial use, as part of a personal collection, or as a unique and meaningful gift, the Korowai - Tane Mahuta is a perfect choice for anyone who wishes to embrace the beauty, strength, and cultural heritage of New Zealand. It is a beautiful reminder of the sacred relationship between humans and the land, offering protection and connection to both the wearer and their ancestors.

Conclusion:

The Korowai - Tane Mahuta stands as a powerful representation of Māori culture and spirituality. It connects the wearer to the forest and the sacred guardianship of Tāne Mahuta, offering both protection and warmth. Handcrafted from premium, sustainable materials, this Korowai is more than just a piece of clothing—it's a sacred symbol of strength, beauty, and connection to nature.

With its intricate design and cultural significance, the Korowai - Tane Mahuta is perfect for those who wish to celebrate and honor Māori traditions, wear a powerful cultural symbol, or own a timeless piece of New Zealand heritage. This Korowai offers not only beauty and warmth but also a lasting connection to the spirit of the forest and the Māori ancestors.